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HOW JOY WAS FOUND 



How Joy was Found 

A Fantasy 

BY 

ISOBEL W. HUTCHISON 




NEW YORK 

FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY 
PUBLISHERS 



COPYKIGHT, 1917, 

By ISOBEL W. HUTCHISON 



SEP 13 1917 

©GIA476044 



PREFACE 

This study in the psychology of Faith is founded on an 
old Scottish folk-tale told me last year at Onich by Mr. 
Alexander Cameron^ who, a good many years ago, had 
given it also to the Rev. J. Macdougall of Duror, in 
whose volume, Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition, now 
out of print, it is included. Mr. Macdougall's version is 
printed in full at the end of this volume. 

I have used the story as the framework of an allegory, 
and have not tried to rival Mr. Macdougall's narrative, 
nor have I often kept very close to the text. Most of 
these beautiful Highland tales are in such intimate 
touch with nature that they lend themselves very 
readily to further development, and the story of Horn 
Finn Kept His Children for the Big Young Hero 
seemed to adapt itself wonderfully to my purpose. 

I. W. H. 

Carlowrie, West Lothian, 
June, 1917. 



The Characters 

The Big Young Hero: One who goes out at the begin- 
ningj comes in at the end, and appears unex- 
pectedly all through. 

Finn: Humanity, a long-suffering man. 

The Carpenter: Duty, a scientific man. 

The Tracker: Obedience, a dutiful man. 

The Gripper: Constancy, a patient man. 

The Climber: Faith, a girl who is more than quite all 
there. 

The Thief: Love, an old woman wearing a chaperon. 

The Listener: Hope, a boy wearing a smile. 

The Marksman: Truth, a straightforward man carry- 
ing a bow and arrows. 

The Giant: A mere notion. 

The Dog: Fear (never visible). 

Her Puppy, Bran : Joy. Given to Hope for the present. 

The Baby: The Rest of Humanity. 

Gonachry: The Heart-wounder, a sarcastic man. 

Angus: A good-natured lazy man. 

TORQUIL 1 

Conan \ Unemotional men. 
Condhla J 



ACT I 



THE GREEN ISLE. EVENING 



This Earthly Paradise lies across the western main 
before you come to the sunset. It is seen imperfectly, 
like a thought not fully realized, and shimmers as if 
through a rainbow. It is thus described by one who has 
been there: 

"Fair is that land to all eternity beneath the snowfall 
of blossoms. The gleaming walls are bright with many 
colours, the plains are vocal with joyous cries, mirth and 
song are at home on the plain, the silver-clouded one. 
No wailing there for judgment, naught but sweet song 
to be heard. No pain, no grief, no death, no discord, no 
sin, no decay, but ever we feast and need none to serve 
us, ever we love and no strife ensues. Such is the land.** 
In this place the Big Young Hero, the most attractive 
person ever imagined, is seen vaguely as if through a 
radiant light. He is seated alone on the grass watching 
the flowers in the midst of great beauty. Far off across 
the sea the outline of the Hebrides is faintly seen, and 
presently a brown-sailed fishing-boat appears on the 
edge of the horizon and approaches the shore. As it 
nears, the figure of a girl is discerned kneeling up in the 
bows, shading her eyes with her hand, and gazing ear- 
nestly towards the shore. She carries a coil of rope over 
her shoulder. As she draws near her voice is heard say- 
ing : 

Climber 
My anchorage was not as beautiful as I thought 
And I have weighed anchor and sailed away. 
I trust that my boat will be brought 
Into haven before the end of the day. 
I do not wish to voyage till sunset 
In this yeasty fret. 
7 



8 How Joy was Found 

Captain! there is no harbour that is beautiful save 
Thine. 
Why dost thou reserve it for the evening mariners? 
Their eyes are old and full of brine, 
They cannot see the stars. 
But mine are young, and I can count them all, 
I praise Thee, for they are full of light. 
Therefore bring me into Thy harbour before the shad- 
ows fall. 
That I may praise Thee louder — in the young night. 

[As the boat nears the isle it comes into calm water. 
The big Young Hero goes down to meet it and helps the 
girl ashore, drawing up the boat.l^ 

Hero 

The end of all thought is peace. 

And you have found ere night the day's increase. 

The bright and radiant day is loath to die. 

Even yet there are hardly any stars in the sky. 

Only a soft dim radiance under the moon. 

And dark trees on the brightness. Very soon 

You will be gathered in a thoughtful rest. 

And fall asleep like a bird up there in its nest. 

Are you not glad at last to realize 

Your insubstantial dream that never dies? 

Climber 

Yes, but I'm wearied. I've had rather a fight 
To get here all right. 
The sea's so deep. 



Act I: The Green Isle 9 

Hero 

Take your sleep. 

[He sits down as before and draws her on to his knee, 
and she falls asleep at once with her head on his shoul- 
der, like a tired child. He also appears to sleep. 
Presently the shadow of a man carrying a rainbow falls 
across his face, and a dream is heard singing.^ 

Dream 

The gates of Heaven are pearls, and stand four- 
square, 
And people enter in from everywhere. 
But when the heather's on the ben 
And the wind races down the glen 
And in the wake of Highland ships 
The creaking sea-gull wheels and dips, 
'And on the bogs, the hills below. 
The cotton-grass and myrtle blow — 
Bog-myrtle, with the spicy breath 
Of bitter-sweet and life and death — 
I'm glad to think that God has heard 
The meaning of the unspoken word. 
The stammering whisper of a tongue 
That learned no speech the hills among, 
The supplication of a hand 
Too fierce for men to understand. 
And that for such as me He'll wait 
In silence by His northern gate. 

[The shadow falls across the girl's face, and she stirs 
and smiles in her sleep, and a dream-shadow goes from 
her also, singing. The two shadows meet, and passing 
into each other, become owe.] 



10 How Joy was Found 

» 

Girl's Dream 

I love to think that, high in Heaven, 

Above the stars, the planets seven, 

Daybreak and darkness — if I'm there ! — 

I'll feel the wind stir in my hair, 

And Heaven's steadfast floor will float 

Like water underneath a boat. 

And, looking down across the gold 

I'll see the sunset, fold on fold, 

Go tumbling down the sky's wild screes 

Beyond the Outer Hebrides. 

Then something in my heart will stir 

Like earth when spring remembers her. 

And I'll ask, firm but quite polite, 

If God will set my compass right. 

And if He'll aiblins help to bail 

My old boat with the tattered sail. 

And lend a hand to launch her clear 

Of Heaven, unless there's sea like here. 

[The blended shadow falls across the face of the Big 
Young Hero, and he looks wp.] 

Shadow 
[^Stirring restlessly. '\ 
I need something. 

Hero 
Who touches me.^ 

Shadow 
The shadow of a desire. 



Act I: The Green Isle 11 

Hero 
What do you require? 

Shadow 
I don't know. 

Hero 
I have sent you a dream. 

Shadow 

I will no longer go 

After a dream. 

I do not want to be a bore, 

But I seem 

Nowadays to need something more; 

I feel 

That I have need of something real. 

l^The girl stirs, and gives a little sigh.^ 

Hero 

Hush! if you talk so loud you'll waken her 

Before she's ready. 

She needs her rest just now. She mustn't stir; 

She's got to steady 

Her head a bit, for she's spent hours 

Filling her mind with things like flowers, 

Till she had sucked out of earth's genial root 

My name like a tender shoot 

That was bound to put her in mind 

Of something unconfined. 



12 How Joy was Found 

Shadow 
Oh^ do be quick ! 
I'm sick 
Of standing still. 

Hero 

There's no use getting ill ^ 

About it. I am with you now; 
The very first step to Heaven's inside your brow. 
Look there, and tell me your most dear desire, 
For it is surely something you require. 

[The shadow shifts to that of a ca-rp enter.'] 

Carpenter 
I want something to do. 

Hero 
Who are you? 

Carpenter 

I am a good carpenter. 

Hero 



How good are you? 



Carpenter 



I had a sense of something due 

To someone, though I scarce kent who 

(It might have been myself or maybe you). 

And so, just at my own expense, 

I fashioned out of common sense 

A ship that's bound to carry me 



Act I: The Green Isle 13 

From earth to Heaven, and as far's I see, 
Ought to bring God again to me. 

Hero 
I have need of you. Show me your ship. 
[The shadow of a large fine ship falls across the sea.] 

She is a very beautiful wide ship. Can you manage 
her alone? 

Carpenter 

I would be the better of another, to do my bidding 
in her. 

Hero 

Send me your brother. 

[The shadow shifts to that of a tracker.] 

Hero 

Who are you? 

Tracker 

I am a good tracker. 

Hero 
How good are you? 

Tracker 

I do what I am told, 

I wait and look, 

Silent, ready to hold. 

It is not true 

That I am idle. I am waiting for you. 



14 How Joy was Found 

I hook 

Strange fish upon my individual line. 

No other hand could take them, they were mine 

From all eternity, and in the eternal sea 

They would be lost for ever but for me. 

Hero 
You are good enough to take his telling. 

Tracker 

Yes, but the clouds are swelling. 

You might maybe lend us another man forby 

To hold the tiller, in case that he and I 

Are called to the sheets together 

By a sudden change in the weather. 

Hero 
Send me a man off the heather. 

[The shadow shifts to that of a gripper."] 

Hero 
Who are you? 

Shadow 
I am a good gripper. 

Hero 
How good are you? 

Gripper 

You call me insistently, 

Yet when I run blithely to the place 



Act I: The Green Isle 15 

Where your voice deaves be, you bar the door in my 

face. 
What for do you treat me thus and hide? 
For still I hear you calling me from the other side. 
I am going to hold on to the sneck and wait. 
I ken there is something behind the door; early and 

late 
You cry on me still. 
If it be your will 
Never to open, yet is it meet 
That I come 
For under the door I can keek at the shadow of your 

feet 
Moving in a larger room. 

Hero 
You are good enough then 
To hold the tiller for these men, 
In case they are called to the sheets together 
By a sudden change in the weather. 

Gripper 
No earthly blast can overwhelm 
The ship of which I hold the helm 
If I have just a kenning more to grip. 
Something that will not give me the slip 
Like the rudder he has fashioned. 
I need something more impassioned. 
Something to which a mind can hold 
For a body's apt to grow cold. 

[The sleeping girl stirs and smiles.1 



16 How Joy was Found 

Hero 
This is a shade sublimer. 

Gripper 
Who are you? 

Climber 
[Talking in her sleep.] 

I am a good climber. 

Gripper 

How good are you? 

Climber 

I have climbed from the mind of man to the mind of 
God on a nervous stair. 

Gripper 

[Astonished.] 

Lassie, that's no canny! Were you no feared to 
fall? 

Climber 
[In her sleep.] 

Some day I'll die, but how, or when, or where 

I do not greatly care. 

Because I know that with the flowers and weeds 

My life proceeds. 

If so I will, inside a gracious law. 

No flaw 

My death will be, nor mischievous accident. 



Act I: The Green Isle 17 

Howe'er besprent 

My blood upon the highway or the turf. 

Or in the surf 

Of thunderous combers on the ungathered sea ; 

But it will be 

An obvious hint of a Supreme design, 

A little clew of mine 

Left huddled by the beach or cliff to tell — 

"Pass, friend, all's well!" 

Hero 
Let him hold fast 
The substance of your mind. 
So that he'll find 

The evidence of unseen things that last, 
And that he'll still behold 
Although his hand grows cold 
And cannot any longer feel 
The thing he thought was real. 

Climber 
[Still in her sleep.] 

I said I climbed upon a nervous stair 
Into the mind of God, 
Yet all the way I trod 
On air 
Because great Love upheld me there. 
I leaned and she resisted, gathering strength 
To toss me all that length 
Like some tall fountain-shower. 



18 How Joy was Found 

And I have power 
To return again and water all the earth. 
Giving her second birth. 
Weaving her flesh, 

Meseems, 
Out of the mesh 
Of mind, 
After the fashion of immediate dreams, 
If I can find 
And force 
All Love into her proper course. 
With such support it is quite true 
There's nothing that I cannot do. 

Hero 
Send me something I can see through. 
[The shadow shifts to that of a bent old woman.'\ 

Hero 
Who are you.^ 

Shadow 

I was old and perfect at the heart 
Ere human life could start. 
Before the mind conceived of life 
I was a wife. 

Hero 
[Joyfully.'] 

What are you good at? 

Shadow 
I am a good thief. 



Act I: The Green Isle 19 

Hero 



How good are you? 



Thief 



Joy in my heart grew strong and very bright, 

Luxuriantly fed in the light of stars. 

Planets, and suns, the speed of motor-cars. 

Fire's untamed energy, the wireless might 

Of telepathy, that burns between the bars. 

I recognized her in the lofty spars 

Of the rigging, hailing land far out of sight. 

And as she leaned and peered entranced, I crept 

Into God's mind, the while He slept. 

And stole it bit by bit away. 

And packed it in a brain of clay; 

But unaccustomed ripples broke 

On that calm surface. He awoke. 

And I, all trembling to depart. 

Was caught a prisoner in His heart. 

Hero 

You are good enough. 
If that's the stuff 
Your mind is made on. 
Help her to climb higher, 
Otherwise she'll tire. 
For she must be stayed on 
Such substantial matter 
If she's to get fatter. 



20 How Joy was Found 

Thief 

Yes, but I need one to hold the rope 

At the other end, to give us both more scope. 

I need something full of joy. 

Hero 
Send me a boy. 

[The shadow shifts to that of a boy, and leaps lightly 
about.^ 

Hero 
Who are you? 

Shadow 

[Sings.] 

I am something always true. 
I don't care twopence what they think; 
I know the sky is always blue, 
And the rest of life rose-pink. 

Hero 
[Affectionately.'] 

Stand still! Stand still! What are you good at be- 
sides singing, eh? 

Shadow 
[Standing still suddenly.] 
I am a good listener. 

Hero 
How good are you? 



Act I: The Green Isle ^1 

Listener 
[With his hand cupped to his ear J] 

Oh, well, by now I really think I'm able 

To hear folk talking at the other end of the cable 

Wlien I lay my ear to the ground. 

There's certainly some sort of sound 

Like the noise I hear 

In the early part of the year, 

When underground the lilies 

Whisper: "Hark! There still is 

Life in us ; don't look so blue. 

To-morrow we'll be getting through. 

If on your side you'll scrape away 

As much earth as you dare to-day." 

Hero 
You are strong enough to hold the rope 
At the other end, since they require more scope. 

Listener 
I know I am, quite well; 
But they think I'm just a sell. 
Can't you show them that I'm true? 
Hullo! Why, who are you? 

\^The Big Young Hero has suddenly lifted his right 
hand, and lets fall from it the shadow of a man carry- 
ing a horn and arrows.] 

Marksman 
[Placidly. ] 
I am one too simple to be understood. 



22 How Joy was Found 

Herq 
At what are you good? 

Marksman 
I am a good marksman. 

Hero 
How good are you? 

Marksman 

From childhood I have had a single aim. 

I did not deviate, 

I just went straight 

Ahead, till, in the place 

Where I was standing, I beheld your face, 

And found I had transfixed your name. 

Listener 

[With delight.] 

Then I should think he's good enough 
To show them that I'm not mere bluff. 

Hero 

[Quietly.] 
He is good enough. 

[The shadows fade, and the girl stirs restlessly in her 
sleep.] 

Climber 
I have need of something more than dream. 



Act I: The Green Isle 23 

Hero 

I have given you something more: 
Your dream was real. 

[The Climber laughs suddenly in her sleep, and wakens 

up.] 

Climber 
[Ruhhing her eyes, and looking round with delight.'^ 

I feel 

Very happy, everything looks so bright. 
I knew it would clear up before to-night. 
Because I saw a rainbow very high 
Up in the sky. 

Hero 

I am going out fishing before the sun sets. 
Will you lend me your boat to gather 
In my nets.^ 

Climber 
[Eagerly. 1 

Rather ! 
Will you be long away? 

Hero 

I will be back with the first screich of day. 
I pray you, if it does not trouble you, 
Have breakfast ready in my house for two. 

[They go down to the beach and launch the boat to- 
gether, and the Big Young Hero sails slowly away in 
her towards the Hebrides, seen far off in the sunset. 



24 How Joy was Found 

Soft twilight falls on the island, hut a phosphorescence 
shines about the boat, outlining the figure of the Big 
Young Hero at the prow, who is leaning down towards 
the water setting the nets. Stars begin to come out 
in the shy, and on the distant shore a light suddenly 
twinkles out every few seconds on a buoy. The girVs 
voice is heard singing as the boat drifts away."] 

Climber's Song 

To-night I saw a rainbow; 

It hung my way before, 
As if the hills were gate-posts 

And it was the arch of a door. 
The moor stretched all about me, 

The heather and the bee; 
I longed to trap that rainbow 

For all the world to see. 

Perhaps in distant cities, 

Perhaps down in the glen, 
The rainbow was the signal 

Of rain for other men. 
But high upon the hilltops 

The clouds blow far and free, 
And leave behind the rainbow 

Blue sky for you and me. 



ACT II 

A MOUNTAIN-SIDE IN ARGYLLSHIRE: MORNING 

A Scottish mountain-side covered with heather and 
bracken. In the crannies of the rocks oak fern and 
roseroot are growing. There is a pebbly brook running 
down to the sea; the sides are sta-rred with sphagnum 
moss. Grass of Parnassus, and butterwort. In its bed 
the yellow marsh saxifrage is growing, and up the hill- 
side a silver birch hangs over it. Farther up the hill 
there are a rowan and an alder, and on the crest, aga-inst 
the sky, a Scotch pine. Low down, by a green mound, 
there is a yew-tree. In the distance the white breakers 
of the sea are seen, and they are heard regularly crash- 
ing in upon the shore. There is sunshine everywhere, 
and a. breeze blowing the heather and chasing the 
shadows of clouds across the hill-side. 

At the back of the wind, behind a great rock, Finn, a 
middle-aged man, is sitting, asleep. He is bowed down 
by a heavy pack containing a rainbow, whose light es- 
capes from the corners and colours it all. Some dis- 
tance off some other men are lying asleep on the heather. 

Presently the Big Young Hero's boat is seen ap- 
proaching from far out at sea. As it nears, Finn stirs 
from his sleep and perceives it, and, starting to his feet, 
watches it, with his hand shading his eyes. The Big 
Young Hero lands from the boat, and, pulling her well 
up on the beach, comes leaping over the mountain to 
Finn strongly and gaily. As he runs, flowers spring 
up under his feet. The other men sleep on undisturbed, 

25 



26 How Joy was Found 

Hero 
[Saluting Finn.] 

Darling of all men in the world ! 
I give you the greeting in grandeur and splendour!' 
I bring you glad tidings of great joy! 
I publish peace ! 

Finn 

[Utterly bewildered.] 
Loveliest of all heroes that I have ever seen, 
I salute you frankly, fluently, and energetically 
With the equivalent of the same words, 
Though I do not know who you are. 
Your feet are beautiful as a star. 
I wish that I could sing like the birds, 
Or blossom like the green wet earth. 
For my heart is full of mirth. 
But I can only glower and gaze 
While my mind plays. 
And sings and tumbles up and down 
Inside me, like a clown 
That makes me feel quite silly. 
Laughing Mdlly-nilly, 
Like a man in love. 
Do you come from above. 
Or round about, or below. 
Or anywhere I know? 

Hero 
I come through night-watching and tempest of sea 
where I am, because I am losing my children, and it 



Act II: A Mountain-side 27 

has been told me there is not a man in all the world 
who can keep them for me but you. 

Finn 
{^Astonished.] 
Why, how can I do that when I must bear 
This heavy rainbow with me everywhere. 
And all the years 
Have found my laughter through a mist of tears ? 

Hero 
Since you alone were strong enough to creep 
Into my mind, and fetch me out of sleep, 
You have attained my stature, and I find 
You are a man according to my mind. 

Finn 

[Crying out, afraid.] 
It was a dream, only a dream I stole! 
I never did as much 
As touch 
Your garment's hem. 

Hero 

No, but you clasped my soul. 

Virtue went out of me immediately 

The moment that your love was strong enough 

To push aside the earth and find the stuff 

That dreams are made on. 

Up through the senseless clay 

You sprang like some green sappy shoot. 

And touched the nervous thoughtful root 

That I am stayed on. 



28 How Joy was Found 

Finn 

IJDumh founded. ] 
It was a dream — I never knew — 

Hero 
I lay upon you 
As crosses and spells 
And seven fairy fetters of travelling and straying. 
To be with me before you shall eat food. 
Or drink a draught. 
Or close an eye in sleep. 

[At his words a delicate weh of gossamer covered with 
dewdrops, spiders' webs, and flower seeds falls over 
Finn. The Hero leaves him spellbound, and, returning 
gaily to his boat, launches her and sails away. When 
the boat has vanished the web falls away, and Finn 
turns round with a cry which arouses the other men."] 







Finn 


Where 


is he? 


CoNAN 


Who? 




Finn 


The stranger that 


was here anon. 






CONDHLA 


I never knew. 








CoNAN 


Is he 


gone? 


Angus 


Which 


way did he 


go? 



Act II: A Mountain-side 29 

Finn 

I do not know. 

GONACHRY 

What was he like? 

Finn 
I can't tell. 

I must find him; he has gone 
Off with something I had on. 

CoNAN 

You don't look very well. 

GoNACHRY 

[Sarcastically.] 

I saw him running up the ben, 

As swift as a spot of sunlight when 

The clouds bend with a cup 

To pounce on him and cover him up 

Like a wasp inside a glass. 

Angus 

Hush! I hear Mactalla pass, 
He's surely singing in his sleep. 
Since it's never very deep. 
Let us rouse him up and speir 
If the stranger is still here. 

[All cry aloud, against the rocks: ''Mactalla! Mac- 
talla! Mactalla!'* The echo is returned mockingly: 
"Mactalla! Mactalla! Mactalla!"] 



30 How Joy was Found 

Angus 

Tut! He's in a teasing mood to-day; 
We'll get nothing out of him. I say! 
Answer, and I'll promise you fair, 
A big laugh to yourself off the back of Ben Y 
Bheithir. 

Mactalla * 
[Mocking from somewhere.^ 

I say ! I say ! A big laugh off the back of Ben Y 
Bheithir? 

Angus 

Ha! ha! You're there, little fellow! 

Yes, at the back of Ben Bheithir, where the yellow 

Saxifrage grows out of the crannied rock, 

I'll give you a laugh to yourself that'll shock 

The natives, if you'll tell us now 

Which way the stranger went. 

Mactalla 
Bow-wow ! 

I'll have the big laugh out of you. 
But I cannot tell you true 
Which one way the stranger went. 
For he's left an echo pent 
In everything he came across. 
I'm entirely at a loss. 
Can't you catch it here and there .f* 
I think he must be everywhere. 

[The growing things are heard talking.'] 
* The Highland "Echo." 



Act II: A Mountain-side 31 

Alder-tree 

Is that you, Grass? 

Grass 
Yes^ I am growing 
Under his feet, 
If the heather will let me pass. 

Heather 

I'll try to, if you'll meet 
Me half-way 

Scotch Pine 

[Loftily.^ 
I say. 

There's no knowing 
What she'll be up to next. 
Take my text. 

And scarcely let yourself be seen. 
With anyone so very green. 

Yew-tree 
[Phlegmatic all y.l 

I am quite at a loss 

To know what came across 

My barrowful of withered leaves 

Rowan 

[Gently.] 

A bairnie couped it, coming home from school. 
Among the sheaves. 



32 How Joy was Found 

Birch 
[Whispering.l 

Hush ! hush ! Softly, softly, my daughters ; 
I hear the sound of mountain waters. 

Burn 

[Singing. 1 

Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! 
Hush! Let me down. 
Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! 
What a lot of trouble 
There is in the world 
Before you can get down 
To bed-rock, 
And stand stock 
Still 
As reserved, as reserved, as reserved as can be. 
Not letting slip 
A word over your lip. 
Oh! I say! Hurry! Hurry! I must get to the sea! 
Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! 
Hush ! Let me down 
Without any more trouble. 
Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! 

[All remain listening, wrapt in wonder. Even Finn, 
who since the spell has been laid upon him has been 
sitting in great heaviness of mind, looks up and listens 
to the song with growing delight. Suddenly Angus 
roars with laughter.^ 



Act II: A Mountain-side 33 

Mactalla 

[Mocking.] 

Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Big Angus ! Bow-wow ! 

I said I'd have the big laugh out of you the now. 

Angus 

[Unable to stop laughing.] 
Did ever anybody hear the like of that? 

[The others look at him half -angrily.] 

CONAN 

What's taken the fool! 

CoNDHLA 

Pat him on the back. 

ToRQUIL 

Can't you hold your tongue. 

GONACHRY 

Did you ever hear of anyone that could! 

Angus 

[In desperation.] 

Hold my tongue ! Will that do any good ? 

[He tries to do so. It makes him laugh all the more, 
and one by one they all gradually join in his laughter 
except Finn, till they are roaring fit to split the rocks. 
Above it all Mactalla is heard mocking. At last Angut 
subsides, wiping the tears from his eyes.] 



34 How Joy was Found 

CoNAN 

What on earth are you laughing at? 

Angus 

Nothing on earth. What are you laughing at? 

CONAN 

How should I know? 

Angus 
Well, how should I know what I'm laughing at? 

CoNAN 

Because you began, you gomeril. 

Angus 
Not I. 

GoNACHRY 

Well, then, who did? 

Angus 
Mactalla. 

CoNAN 

What was Mactalla laughing at? 

Angus 
That's what I'd like to know. 

GoNACHRY 

I never heard him. 



Act II: A Mountain-side 35 

Angus 
That's because you've no sense of humour. 

GoNACHRY 

[Fiercely.'] 
I have a sense of humour. 

Angus 
Where is it, then? 

GoNACHRY 

Up my sleeve. 

[He looks up his sleeve and gives a sarcastic grin."] 

Angus 

Well, nobody can see it there 
But yourself, so you'd better take care. 
If folk don't see what you're laughing at 
They'll end by laughing at you. 

Conan 
[Stooping to pick up a button.'] 

What's that? 

A button. Is it anywhere off me? 

[He looks himself all over.] 

C0NDHI.A 
What's it like? 



36 How Joy was Found 

CONAN 

Greenish- white. No, it's not off me 
As far as I can see. 

Angus 
[Holding out his hand,] 

Here, it's mine. I burst it laughing. 

[Conan hands it over to him casually J] 

\ CaNAN 

[Lighting his pipe.] 
Come on! It's time we were at work again. 

ToRQUIL 

Are you taking the boat out to-day ? 

CoNAN 

Ay. 

[Exit Conan, Condhla, and Torquil.] 

\ Angus 

[To Finn.] 

Aren't you coming? 

Finn 

[Abstractedly.] 

Not to-day, not to-day. 



Act II: A Mountain-side 37 

GONACHRY 

[Laughing carelessly.^ 

He looks to me as if he had gone daft. 

[He slouches off after the others with his hands in his 
pockets.~\ 

Angus 
It's very queer the way he never laughed. 

[He goes up to Finn and gives him a hearty slap on 

the hacJc.l 

Come, man ! What ails you ? 

Finn 

[Throwing him off with sudden irritation."] 
Get away, you gomeril ! 

Angus 

[Aside.] 
He's fey! 

[He makes a sign to keep off the evil eye, and re- 
treats hurriedly after the others, casting suspicious 
glances backwards at Finn.] 

Finn 
[Seeing himself alone, with a sigh of relief hoists his 
rainbow resolutely and tightens his belt.] 

I will prick on my way 

Far into the country of my God, 

And if it be true, as they say, 

That He is calm and unhurried, 

Some day I shall break through a gap in the hedge 

And come upon Him seated by the road-edge. 



38 How Joy was Found 

Then shall I say to Him these three things, baring 

my brow: 
"Wherefore art Thou, whence didst Thou come, and 

whither goest Thou? 
Answer, I pray, for I ask of Thee 
As one traveller of another." 

\^Enter the Carpenter, unperceived by Finn.] 

Carpenter 
Good day ! 

Finn 

[Starting violently.^ 
Good day! 

Carpenter 
It's a fine day. 

Finn 

[Gloomily.] 

It's fine as long as this breeze lasts, but I'm thinking 
it'll not be long before there's a shower coming over 
from Badenoch. 

Carpenter 

Ay! It's soft; but it'll not be much with the sun 
where it is. 

Finn 

The sun may be as high as it likes, it'll not make 
much difference to the shadow on my mind. 

Carpenter 
What sort of a shadow is on your mind.'* 



Act II: A Mountain-side 39 

Finn 
A shadow like the one across the breast 
Of Kinlochleven when the sun goes west. 
And the Bidean, that great serious Ben, 
Stoops to consider men. 

Carpenter 
That's a long shadow. 

Finn 
It's a shadow of crosses and spells and seven fairy 
fetters of travelling and straying, to be with the one 
that considers me before I shall eat food, or drink a 
draught, or close an eye in sleep. 

Carpenter 
It's a long shadow, but maybe I can help you to the 
one that considers you if you'll consider me. 

Finn 
What are you good at to help me? 

Carpenter 
I am a good carpenter. 

Finn 
How good are you at carpentry? 

Carpenter 
With three strokes of this axe I can make a large 
capacious complete ship of the alder-stock over yonder. 



40 How Joy was Found 

Finn 
[Eagerly.] 

You are good enough then, carpenter, for I am want- 
ing a ship 
To go on this trip. 
Can you prove me your skill? 

Carpenter 
Ay, with a will. 

[The Carpenter goes to the alder-stock, strikes it with 
his axe thrice, and, as he says, the ship is ready in 
the sea waiting for them.] 

Finn 

[Delighted.] 

It is a very beautiful wide ship; what can it do? 

Carpenter 

It can take you to the one that considers you, 
If rightly handled, and, as far's I see. 
Brings such a one again to you and me. 

Finn 

[Eagerly.] 

Will you lend her to me? 

Carpenter * 

[Pawkily.] 

Ay, if you are willing to engage 
My brother too for a trifling wage. 
I'll not can manage her alone. 



Act II: A Mountain-side 41 

Finn 

[Impatiently.'} 

Come on! Come on! Call me your brother; 
He'll do as well as any other. 

[The Carpenter whistles shrilly on his fingers, and 
the Tracker enters.} 

Carpenter 

You're wanted for the boat the now; 
He needs you at the bow. 

Tracker 
[To Finn.} 
What is your willt 

Finn 

What are you good at? 

Tracker 
I am a good tracker. 

Finn 

How good are you at tracking.^ 

Tracker 

I can track the wild duck over the crests of the nine 
waves within nine days. 

Finn 

Then you are good enough to track 

The one that considers me, and bring him back. 



42 How Joy was Found 

Tracker 

That will I blindfold; 

But I need another to hold 

The tiller, in case we're called to the sheets together. 

Call me that man there, coming across the heather. 

[The Gripper is seen approaching over the hill-side.] 

Gripper 
Good day! 

Finn 

Good day! What are you good at? 

Gripper 
I am a good gripper. 

Finn 
How good are you? 

Gripper 

The hold I once get I will not let go until my two 
arms come from my shoulder, or until my hold comes 
with me. 

Finn 

Then you are good enough to hold until 

The one that considers me comes with your hold ? 

Gripper 

That will I, sitting still; 

But as my hand's apt to grow cold, 



Act II: A Mountain-side 43 

I'll need that lassie there to keep my mind 
Off thinking of it. 

[The Climber has suddenly swung herself down by a 
golden rope at Finn's side.] 

Finn 

[Astonished.] 

Why, how did you find 
Your way down here? 

[He takes off his cap politely.] 

Climber 
I climbed down. 

Finn 
[Aside.] 

I don't see any stair. 

I wonder if she's quite all there! 

Climber 
[Answering his thought.] 

No, just at present I am mostly here. 

Finn 

[Aside.] 

Her answer isn't very clear. 

[Aloud.] 
And what are you good at? 

Climber 
I am a good climber. 



44 How Joy was Found 

Finn 
I see that. 
How good are you at climbing? 

Climber 

I could climb on a filament of silk to the stars if you 
were to tie it there. 

Finn 
[Looking at her dreamily.] 

Will you be good enough then^ please^ to stare 
Into each star and tell me if He's there. 

[He collects himself, and adds hastily,] 

The one that considers me, I mean. 

Climber 

I'll be your go-between 

With pleasure, but I'm young to come alone; 

Call me that woman there as a chaperon. 

[The Thief and the Listener have entered hand in 
hand. Finn becJcons to the Thief, taking off his cap 
again politely.] 

Finn 

What are you good at, dame? 

Thief 
I am a good thief. 

Finn 

How good are you at thieving? 



Act II: A Mountain-side 45 

Thief 

I can steal the egg from the heron while her two 
eyes are looking at me. 

Finn 

Then if you'll come with me and steal 
The one that considers me, I'll feel 
Greatly obliged to you, there is no doubt. 

Thief 

I'll take you by a pretty roundabout 
If you are also able to employ 
My boy. 

Finn 

What is he good at? 

Listener 
I am a good listener. 

Finn 
How good are you at listening? 

Listener 

I can hear what the people are saying at the ex- 
tremity of the uttermost world. 

Finn 

You are good enough, then. Maybe you can hear 
Whether the one that considers me is near? 



46 How Joy was Found 

Listener 

[Putting his hand to his ear,^ 

You're very hot! 

[Finn, who has been standing beside the Climber, 
moves forward hastily. 1^ 

No, now you're colder! 

I'll find Him ere I am much older, 

Only some people are so narrow, 

I'll need that man with the bow and arrow 

[Enter Marksman.'] 

To bear me out ere they'll agree 
That seeing's believing what I see. 

Finn 

[To Marksman.] 
What are you good at? 

Marksman 
I am a good marksman. 

Finn 
How good are you? 

Marksman 

I could hit an egg as far off in the sky as bowstring 
could send or bow could carry. 



Act II: A Mountain-side 47 

Finn 

If you can hit the place where He 

Is hidden who considers me, 

We need no longer tarry. 

For I am drawn by an insatiable desire, 

I am consumed in an impetuous fire. 

And I am denied all rest 

Until my quest 

Is ended. Would that I could find 

A lodge for my soul^ where I might leave behind 

All longing for ever, slumbering complete 

At His feet. 

Would I could rest in that bright place where I 

In spirit lie. 

Its light has cast a shadow on the brow 

Of this fair "Now." 

Wliy did He make that garden-place so fair? 

My soul, a bird, is there, 

W^ith limed wings fast to that apple-bough. 

Marksman 
[Putting his hand kindly on his shoulder.^ 

Come, then, and let's be gone. 

Your fellows will come after you anon. 

[They launch the ship, and the Gripper takes the 
helm. The Tracker, who is at the bow, is seen telling 
him now to go this way and now to go that way, and 
the ship obeys his hand beautifully. The waves begin 
to rise as the ship gets farther from sight, but the 
Tracker still finds a smooth path through the waters. 
The Listener leans over the side, and sings a song as the 



48 How Joy was Found 

boat slips out to sea. It is a wild and beautiful song, 
haunting f sweet , and long-drawn-out.} 

Listener's Song 

I made a little song, and it was true, 

Though nobody heeded it in the press of things; 

I left it alone a thousand years, and it grew, 

And I heard it again one day in the mouth of kings. 

All as I went I joyed me a mighty joy. 

They laughed at me; they said: "You're still very 

young" ; 
But I knew better than that when I was a boy, 
And when I was old I found the song I'd sung. 



ACT III. SCENE 1 

A BEAUTIFUL HIGHLAND SHORE: AFTERNOON 

In the distance up the glen there is seen smoke evi- 
dently rising from a house hidden somervhere in the 
trees. In the foreground there are heather and rocks 
and a beautiful alder-tree with thick foliage. Curlews 
and sea-gtdls are crying, and a breeze is tossing the 
rvaves into white horses. At this moment Finn enters, 
looking rather wretched and storm-tossed. He sits down 
on a boulder, with a weary sigh. 

Finn 

[ Yawning. ] 

Heigh-ho ! — Hay-hum-harry ! 

This box is a weary weight to carry. 

Climber's Voice 
[Calling from the alder-tree.] 
I wish you'd let me take a share! 

Finn 

[Starting violently, and looking up.] 
Certainly not! What are you doing up there.'* 

Climber 
[Pushing her head out through the leaves.] 

I went up after a squirrel. 
49 



50 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Finn 
At your age that's not proper for a girl. 

Climber 

[Singing.] 

Oh, to-day I'm twenty- s even ! 
What delight to rhyme with Heaven ! 
I'm as happy as can be. 
Here inside the alder-tree. 

All my life's a song that flows 
With the river and the rose. 
All my life's a song to me 
Like the lovely alder-tree. 

All the years I've left behind 
Are translated in my mind 
Into something new and free, 
Like the seed-pod on the tree. 

All that's past is unforgotten; 
I have wrapped it up in cotton. 
Like the larva that I see 
In the leaf upon the tree. 

It will grow and change and gather 
Knowledge of a mind, its Father; 
Some morning in its glee 
It will float above the tree. 

Oh, to-day I'm twenty-seven! 
Just a little nearer Heaven 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 51 

Than I ever used to be 
When I climbed the alder-tree. 

For I feel at last that I, 
Like the larva, change and fly 
Yet a grander, fuller me. 
On the self-same alder-tree. 

Finn 

[Who has listened with delight to the song.] 
You're a very eccentric sort of girl. 

Climber 
[Coming down hastily. '\ 

No ! Eccentricity I hate ! 
It's just a name for off the straight; 
And, if you'll only pay me more attention. 
You'll find it's almost too far off to mention. 
[Finn looks at her doubtfully.] 

Climber 
[Coaxingly.] 

I wish you'd let me take a share 

Of that old box you're carrying there. 

Finn 

[Hastily.] 
I wouldn't dream of such a thing! 

Climber 
Take care ! It needs a stronger piece of string. 
And if you drop it, that would be a pity; 



52 How Joy was Found: Act III 

It looks as if the contents were so pretty. 
What is inside it? May I know? 

Finn 

Guess ! 

Climber 

I can't. It seems to show 
All bright about the edge. 

[She tries the weight. '\ 

I can't see quite 
What makes it heavy when it looks so light? 

Finn 

Tears of all sorts, and colours to suit each eye. 

Climber 
Then why 
Is it so light when it feels such a weight? 

Finn 
Oh! that's just Fate. 
A glint of laughter 
Getting through each tear 
A little after. 

Climber 
[Clapping her hands.] 
Oh dear! 

How beautiful! I've guessed it — a rainbow! 
You've got a rainbow there, 
I knew last night the morning would be fair ! 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 53 

Finn 
[Astonished.] 
How did you guess? 

Climber 
I saw the rain-clouds yesterday 
Coming up Crianlarich way. 
Black as peat and full of dark. 
Suddenly God set His mark 
Over them all in a rainbow. 

And so 

I knew 
The sun was somewhere getting through, 
And, turning, saw him come 
Hurriedly over the hills above Tyndrum. 
[She turns and sees Finn looking at .her with a wistful 
compression. ] 

What are you thinking about? 

Finn 
Nothing at all. A dream. 

Climber 
Look out! They are not what they seem! 

Finn 

They're harmless enough. They aren't real. 

Climber 
They're made of stuff 
That's very apt to steal 
Intact 



54 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Into actual fact. 

For instance, look at these. 

[^She points to some mountain pansies in the grass, ^ 

Finn 
Explain the connection, please. 

Climber 
Don't you see it, sumph ? 

Finn 
Umph! 
They seem to give you a lot of pleasure. 

Climber 
l^Sniffing delightedly.^ 

Yes, without measure. 
Don't they give it you? 

Finn 
Oh! Well enough. 
Though, as a rule, I think 
That I prefer a more substantial stuff. 
Something to eat or drink. 
Yet somehow now I feel dead beat; 
I couldn't stand the sight of meat. 

Climber 
[Rapturously.] 
Oh, I could feed 
On flowers for ever ! 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 55 

Finn 

Well, then, you must be very clever. 

Climber 
[Hastily.] 
Oh no ! there is no need. 
It happened through a violet's power, 
For that's my favourite flower. 

[Shyly, in a burst of sudden confidence.!^ 
I'll tell you how it came about 
If you'd care to find out. 

Finn 

[Settling himself on the bank.li 
All right, I don't mind if you do ; 
But it won't be the same for me as you. 

Climber 
[Sitting up and clasping her hands round her knees 
shyly.] 

I was attracted by a violet. 
For purple's my favourite colour, and you get 
Such a delightful perfume out of these 
When the wind makes a breeze 

Among the petals. 
God said: "That settles 
It. Now she'll come back here 

Another year. 
And look for me where she has found her pleasure." 

I did not measure 



56 How Joy was Found : Act III 

God's far arrangement thus; but sure enough 
(Since purple's my favourite colour)^ when the puff 
Of spring cast up her wild young flowery wrack, 
I looked to see if the violet were blown back. 

[She begins to lose her self-consciousness. Finn 
watches her interestedly.^ 

Sufficient she was there ! 

I pushed my hair 
Back from my brow, and on my knees I went 

To catch her scent. 

Oh, it was joy 
I thought would never cloy! 
And God, who saw me on the grass beside 

That purple pride, 
Laughed softly to Himself, and said: "I knew 

She'd not resist My blue. 
Now I'll be bound she'll come again next year 

To find my fragrance here." 

[She continues with increasing animation, having 
quite lost all self -consciousness.'] 

In very deed I came^ 
But now a flame 

Of ultra-violet flickered on my thought. 
It wasn't just the scent that brought 
Me back like that, nor yet the lovely blue; 
It was because I felt that God was true. 
And that was how, having had my attention called 
To something that came back and never palled, 
But seemed each year more lovely than the last, 
I passed 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 57 

To looking for the far-off deeper things 

That God had tucked behind the violet's wings. 

I said to myself: "This is some sort of sign 

Of constancy divine. 

And I expect there must be some such mark 

Set on our ultimate dark; 

For we are all just one material here — 

My heart, the violet clear. 

[Dreamily, to herself.] 
Oh! Isn't it delightful thus to grow 
Together yet apart a little while? 
God needs this time to shape us to the style 
Of His eternity, as, strong and slow, 
The separate shadows of the flowery prime 
Become one purple deep at evening-time. 
[She takes a violet in her hands and looks at it. To 
herself.] 

Here's all the evidence of things unseen, 
Delicious substance of a life to be, 
Where maybe I'll share His identity, 
And we'll be One to all eternity. 

Finn 

Wliat? 

Climber 
[Who has forgotten that she is not alone, blushing self- 
consciously and starting violently.] 

Nothing! It's not 
Meant for you to hear. 

Finn 
Go on about next year. 



58 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Climber 
[Very shyly, with averted face.] 

Well, in the spring I came, with joyous thirst, 
To find the violet where I found her first; 
Till, kneeling there one day, I felt my heart 
Quicken and start. 
And pushing back the lid, to look within, 

I saw a thin 
Long tongue of lavender amid the red. 
And God knelt there, and spread 

His strong white hands above the warm, bright stain. 
And laughed, and said: "I have found faith again 

On earth." I 

[She pauses, and adds in a rvhisper.] 

But I, too much amazed for mirth. 
Could only gaze and stammer: "Sir, not yet, 
It was Your violet." 

[There is silence. The Climber remains with shy 
averted face.] 

Finn 
[After an embarrassed pause.] 

I don't see how a violet's shown 
You that. Tell me it all again. 

Climber 
[Jumping up, with a nervous laugh.] 

Oh dear ! I wish I could explain 
Better. But it's the sort of thing 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 59 

You'll have to find alone. I'm off to bring 
The others. I'll be back in a minute. 

[She runs away, with a very red face. Finn yanmt, 
sighs, and, picking a violet, sniffs and sniffs again.^ 

Finn 
Delicious ! I believe there's something in it ! 
\_He puts the violet in his buttonhole.] 
Even if it isn't much 
It's something I could almost touch 
A morsel of just now. 

[Enter the Listener, whistling, and chipping himself 
a whistle out of an alder branch.] 

Finn 

Hallo! Where are the others? 
Listener 
Patching up the boat a bit in smothers 
Of spray. The wind seems blowing this way. 

[He waves his hand in the direction in which the 
Climber has gone.] 
Still feeling sick.^* 

Finn 
Certainly not. I wasn't sick! 

Listener 
Oh! I thought that was why 
Yoii wouldn't come down to tea, 
When you said you wished we'd let you die. 

Finn 

[Hastily.] 
Certainly not! 



60 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Listener 
Then why 

Finn 

[Hurriedli/.'] 
There's a sort of spell on me. 
I can't consider common stuff like tea 
Until I have found the one that considers me. 

Listener 

[^Sympathetically.^ 

I say! How beastly! Worse than being in love. 

Finn 

[Indignantly.^ 
Not at all! It's not the least the same. 

Listener 
[Innocently.] 
Why} What's the difference.? 

Finn 

[Crossly.] 
Oh;, go away ! How should I know ? 

Listener 
Would you like to hear what I heard up above 
The tree-tops, before I came 
Out of the wood? 

Finn 

[Crossly.] 
Not unless it's easily understood. 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 61 

Listener 
[Cheerily.] 
Oh yes! 
It's the sort of thing that any child could guess. 

[He begins to pipe a very cheery little tune, and 
then stops and looks at Finn enquiringly.] 

Finn 

[Brightening.] 
That's not bad. Go on! 

Listener 
[Beginning to sing.] 
Tiravee! Tiravee! Tiravee! 
The year has heard the spring 
In far recesses smouldering. 
Tiravee ! Tiravee ! Tiravee ! 

The robins sing, 
Daffadowndillies and lilies 
And crocuses are hiding, 
Under the garden abiding, 
Soon you'll see ! Soon you'll see I 

Soon you'll see! 
For along the west border, 
All in their proper order, 

Just like last year — 
Look! — the tops of the snowdrops are here! 

Tiravee ! Tiravee ! Tiravee ! 
Oh, how wonderful it is to see 
The spring again just as she used to be! 

Showing how the bulbs grow 



62 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Under the ground, 
Making a sound 
Where silence lay low. 

Displaying 
The beauty of the earth, 

Saying: 
"There is no death. 
For consider the lilies 
How they grow^ and the daffadowndillies, 
Underground 
They have found 
The spring!" 
Oh, Robin, sing! 
Oh, come away and see 

The tops 
Of the first snowdrops ! 
Tiravee ! Tiravee ! Tiravee ! 
[During the song the others, drawn hy the sound of 
piping, all begin to come in one hy one, with the excep- 
tion of the Climber, beginning with the Marksman and 
ending with the Carpenter, dancing and humming the 
tune. When the Listener has done they all applaud 
Mm delightedly, and the Marksman lets fly an arrow 
seaward.^ 

Listener 
[Astonished.'] 
What's that for? 

Marksman 
You hit the mark that time. 

Listener 
[Running to looh."] 
Where? I didn't see! 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 63 

Marksman 

Nobody did but me. 

Who taught you that song sublime? 

Listener 
A robin back there in the wood; 
I haven't got it very good. 

Finn 

You have a very fine ear. 

Is there anything else you can hear.^ 

Listener 
[Putting his ear to the ground and listening intently.'] 
I can hear the voice of your mother. 

Finn 
[Eagerly.] 

What is she saying? 

Listener 
She's saying she's unravelling 
Your fetters of travelling 

And straying; 

She's saying 
She's sending your father 
To help you to gather 
The children he's losing 
Through none of her choosing. 

Finn 

[Bewildered.] 
Talk sense! 



64 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Listener 

[Offended.] 

I do; but it's too immense 
For you to comprehend 
With your unenlightened end! 

[Aside.] 

There! didn't I tell you she'd send! 

[At this moment the Climber runs in excitedly.] 

Climber 
I've just met a woman in the wood 
Who says she's losing 

Her children through none of her choosing, 
And that you are the only man 
Who can 
Help her, if you'll be so very good. 

Finn 

[Amazed.] 

That's what the Big Young Hero said to me 
This morning, brought him through the strife 
Of night-watching and tempest of sea ! 
I wonder who this woman can be? 

Climber 
[Eaicitedly.] 
I believe she is his wife? 

Finn 

How is she losing the children? 



Scene 1 : A Highland Shore 65 

Climber 
She says she's losing them in the night 
That claps down on men. 

For a Hand comes in at the window ere it's light, 
And takes them all away ben. 

Finn 

[After a pause.] 
I can't help that! 

Climber 
Yes, she says you can, 
If you were half a man. 

Finn 

Why, what must I be at.'^ 

Climber 
She says you must watch through the night 
Within her house, until you see daylight. 

Finn 

[Sighing wearily.] 
I want my supper now. I really couldn't keep 
My eyes open; I'm sure I'd go to sleep. 

Climber 
[Very earnestly and impressively.] 
Although she has laid supper in her house. 
Please do not touch it yet, or you'll arouse 
The Hand 

Before you understand 
How you must use the body to discern 



66 How Joy was Found: Act III 

The proper system of the mind, and learn 

You were not built like the bewildered moon. 

To dwindle ere you've found another face, 

Revolving inwards like an old buffoon, 

Too much attracted by an earthly grace; 

But, on a nervous pivot justly hung. 

Bringing your mind to bear upon the clay. 

Can turn your sleepy body round among 

The starry systems of another day; 

For that is how I think we're meant to gather 

Her earthly treasure for a Heavenly Father, 

Till He recall us from her dewy field 

At evening-time, building a finer bield 

For souls returning mindful of earth's beauty. 

Not naked as they came. 

Finn 

I'll do my duty 
If you'll show me the way 
To the place where I'm to stay. 

Climber 
[Delighted.^ 
All right! 

We must look sharp as long as there's this light. 
[She hechons the others to follow.'] 

Finn 
[Pausing suddenly. 1 
Why, what was that that fell? 
I believe it was the spell. 

[He loohs about.'] 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 67 

I feel hungry enough for two 
All of a sudden. Aren't you? 

Climber 
{^Warningly,^ 
Noj I had something to eat before I came, 
And in the morning you will get the same 
If only now you'll try not to eat double; 
For if you do we'll all get into trouble. 
[Ea;it all after the Climber.] 



ACT III. SCENE 2 

THE HOUSE OF THE EARTH-MOTHER I GLOAMING 

The kitchen of the Earth-M other's house, A big open 
fire in the middle of the room, with a hole in the thatch 
above it to let the smoke out. A child asleep in a cradle 
beside it. The remains of a lavish supper on a table in 
the corner. The men are all lying about the fire asleep. 
Finn alone is sitting in a lorn chair drorvsing. The 
Climber is lying asleep on a settle in the corner, near 
the Thief, who is sitting quietly watchful by the child. 
She alone seems wide awake. 

Finn 

[Nodding drowsily, starts and falls forward. Shaking 

himself up, he looks round, rubbing his 

eyes and yawning.] 

Heigh-ho ! — Heigh-hum-harry ! 

This rainbow is a weary job to carry. 

[Looks round.] 
No one seems awake that I can see. 



68 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Thief 

[Quietly. '\ 
You forget me. 

Finn 

[Startled.] 
Oh! Are you awake? 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
I'm always awake. 

Finn 
Then I can take 
A nap. 

Thief 
[Calmly.] 
For Heaven's sake 

Keep awake, 
Or the child will be taken away in the cap 
Of the Hand. 

Finn 

[Drowsily.] 
Bother! I don't understand. 

[Pointing to the Climber.] 
Even she's sleeping. 

Thief 
Yes, she has been weeping. 

Finn 
[Uneasy.] 
Why, whatever's the matter? 



Scene 2 : House of the Earth-Mother 69 

Thief 
Everything. 

You've eaten too much. 

Finn 

[Defensively.^ 
Why, I didn't touch 
More than I ought^ 
Did I? 

Thief 
You took a thought 
More than she did, that's why 
You have upset her. 

Finn 
[Sulkily.'] 
I wish to goodness I had never met her. 
If she's so very easily upset. 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
I fear she's very childish for her age. 
It's apt to overbalance her at this stage; 
She isn't up to all God's ropes as yet. 

Finn 
[Crossly.] 
I thought she said 
That she could climb upon a thread 

Up to a star 
Were I to tie it there. 



70 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Thief 
Ay! But it needs more care 
To return so far 
Trundling the star. 

[Finn sits silent for a little while, and begins to nod 
again. At last he rouses himself rvith a start.^ 

Finn 
I'm much too plastic; 
This needs something drastic. 

[He snatches a brand of rvood from the fire, and 
thrusts it through the bone of his palm. The Climber 
immediately starts up in her sleep with a cry of pain.l 

[Startled.] 
What's wrong? Why ? 

Climber 

[Talking in her sleep, in great distress.] 

You are in pain! 

Finn 

[Defiantly.] 
Not I! 

Climber 

[Half asleep.] 

You're hurting yourself with trying to keep awake! 

Finn 

[Coldly.] 
You're making a mistake. 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 71 

Climber 
[Bewildered and dreamy. 1 
Oh, I'm sorry! I thought you called me. 

Finn 

[Stoically. 1 
No. 

[The Marksman turns in his sleep with a groan.'\ 

Climber 
I beg your pardon. 

Thief 
[Quietly. '\ 

Lie down. If he's in pain 
I'll call you again. 

[The Climber lies down again."] 

Thief sings: 

I have a lover in my mind, 

And there I stray. 

He whispers dreams to me all night; 

I dream with him all day. 

We tell each other foreign things, 
We dream strange dreams, we two; 
Sometimes he whispers He is God, 
And I dream I am too. 

[Finn, nodding, repeats former process. Again the 
Climber starts up in her sleep with a loud cry of 
anguish.] 



72 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Climber 
[As before, talking half in her sleep.'] 
You are in pain? 

Finn 

[Wiping his brow.] 
Not I, you're dreaming. 

[The Marksman again groans in his sleep."] 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
Lie down. If he's in pain 
I'll call you again. 

Climber 
[Bewildered and troubled, still asleep.] 
I'm very sorry, indeed I meant no harm; 
I feel as if I were under some sort of charm. 
[She lies down again.] 

Thief sings: 

Love seeketh not a Heaven's delight. 
If her beloved inhabit there. 
She is content with outer night. 
And finds in Hell no deep despair. 

Yet if the love of God divine 
Feel lonely Heaven a grave mistake. 
And say: "Is Hell not also mincf*" 
Love answers: "Yea, Lord, take." 

[By this time Finn has fallen quite asleep. The fire 
dies low. Suddenly a strange light begins to play about 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 73 

the Climber. She starts up half-arvake, and looJcs round 
bewildered. Then she speaks to the Thief in an awed 
whisper. '\ 

Climber 

Who called me? Was it you? 

Thief 
I have been sitting quietly by the cradle all this time. 

Climber 
Inside my brain 

There's something tugging me, a sort of strain, 

A terrible wistfulness, my mind's all bruised. 

Something calls me that is not amused. 

Is it God? 

Or is it not God? 

Thief 
[Gravely.] 
It is God. 

Lie down. He will call you again 
If He is in pain. 

[The Climber lies down again. The fire dies quite 
low, but the radiance about her grows bright and 
brighter; she alone is left visible. Suddenly, for a 
moment, as through a veil, the face of the Big Young 
Hero is seen looking wistfully down on her. She starts 
up with her hands clasped to her breast, and speaks in 
an awed whisper.] 

Climber 

Did you call me, sir? 

Hero 

I sent Finn to call you. 



74 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Climber 
I heard him. Do you require us both? 

Hero 
Yes, urgently; make haste. 

l^The vision fades, leaving the Climber alone in the 
midst of a great brightness.'^ 

Climber 
[^Whispering.'i 

Always I have known Thou wert there. 

But to-night Thou hast revealed Thyself utterly and 

Thy face is bare. 

I cannot tell how beautiful Thou art. 

All of my heart 

Is radiant with the fierce surprise 

Of Thine eyes, 

All of my soul 

Stands shuddering at her goal. 

Long ago she knew Thee, yet she feared 

To name Thee, ever she peered 

Into the darkness, whispering: "Not mine," 

To-night she doth divine 

Wholly, and she is very bold, and boasts, and hath 
good cheer. 

Entertaining the love that casts out fear. 

\_The brightness fades, leaving darkness for a 
moment, then the fire leaps up again, illuminating the 
room. The Climber looJcs about her, bervildered with 
ecstasy.'\ 

Oh, I have had such a wonderful dream! 

Why, they all seem 

To be asleep! . 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 75 





Thief 


I am not asleep. 


[Quietly.] 




Climber 




[Radiant.'] 


Oh, did you see i 


oay dream? 




Thief 


Yes ; I stole it for 


you. 




Climber 


Where did you get it? 




Thief 


Out of the mind 


of God. 




Climber 


It was most beautiful; can't you find 


Another the same 


? 



Thief 

Yes, from where that one came; 
But it is not for you. 

Climber 
[Disappointed.] 
Oh! Who's it for? 

Thief 
Never mind, 
You'll find 
When you make yours come true. 



76 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Climber 
[^Very eagerly.'] 
Why^, what must I do? 

Thief 

You must make them believe it. 
You must take it and weave it, 
By a kind of story, 
Into actual glory. 

Climber 
[Jumping up joyfully.] 
Where shall I begin? 

Thief 
With Finn. 

Climber 
[Drawing back nervously.] 
Oh no, I can't ! He'll think it very queer. 
I — I haven't got the courage to reveal 
A dream so very delicate and real. 
They'll laugh at me. They'll all think I am queer. 

Thief 
[Indifferently.] 

I have nothing to do with fear. 
Your business is to do just as I tell. 

Climber 
[Summoning up all her resolution.] 
Very well. 



Scene 2 : House of the Earth-Mother 77 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
If you're to carry out God's plan 
You must pitch into every man. 

Climber 

[Trembling with nervousness.] 
All right! To make my dream come true 
There's nothing I'm afraid to do. 

[She runs quickly over to Finn and takes him eagerly 
by the hand to wake him. He starts awake with a 
quiver of pain, withdra7ving his hand.] 

Climber 
[Overstrained and very nervous.] 
Oh, are you angry at me.'' 

Finn 

[Gently.] 
Why should I be angry .^ 

Climber 
[Shyly.] 
For — for waking you up. 

Finn 
Was I asleep.^ 

Climber 

[Nervously.] 

Yes; but I've brought you something that'll keep 

You awake for ever. 

[She laughs nervously.] 



78 How Joy was Found : Act III 



Finn 

[Politely.'] 



Never ! 
What is it? 



Climber 
[Shyly.-] 
N — nothing; just a dream. 

Finn 

[EiJiharrassed.] 
Better keep it to yourself. 
Dreams are things some folk don't understand. 

Climber 
[In distress, catching sight of his hand.] 
Why, what have you done to your hand? 
You've burnt it all ! 
You were in pain, I knew ! 
I heard you call. 
Why did you say it wasn't true? 

Finn 

[Withdrawing his hand hastily] 
It's nothing to do with you. 
Go to sleep again; 
I never felt the slightest pain. 

[The Marksman groans in his sleep] 

Climber 
[Embarrassed and shy.] 
Don't you, really? 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 79 

Finn 

[Resolutely.^ 
No. I tell you it's quite numb. 

Climber 
[Grieved and awkrvard.'] 
Then you didn't call me to come? 

Finn 

[Turning his head away with a groanl 

No. I am in no need. 

[The Marksman groans in his sleep again, Finn 
turns and looks more attentively at the Climber, hesi- 
tating. She is pale and overstrained looking.'] 

[Kindly.'] 
I really think you ought to feed 
Yourself up a bit. 
You're not looking very fit. 

Climber 
[Hurriedly.] 
I was asleep. I'm quite all right. 
It's just a silly dream. Good night. 

[Marksman groans.] 
Be sure you keep awake. 

[She retreats nervously.] 

Finn 

Good night. Be sure you keep 
Asleep. 



80 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Don't worry about me for any sake; 
I'm wide enough awake. 

[The Marksman groans again, and Finn begins to 
nod heavily even as he speaks.'\ 

Climber 
[Ta the thief, bursting into tears.l 
They won't believe my dream. 
You've made me feel an awful fool. 
He's laughing now. I know I seem 
Quite childish! 

Thief 
[Aside.] 
To keep cool. 
The best way is by letting off some steam. 

[To the Climber, very sternly.] 
The fault was yours. You have betrayed your 
dream. 

Climber 

[Weeps silently for a little, then wipes her eyes and 

speaks as if to herself.] 

They tell me that I have my birth 
Some other where, 

And though indeed I do not greatly care 
If this be true or no, 
I really think it must be partly so; 
For no one understands me in this house, 
I am not able all alone to rouse 
Them up. They just ignore me everywhere. 
I begin to think that I'm not quite all there. 
[She sinks her head desperately between her hands.] 



Scene 2; House of the Earth-Mother 81 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
I wasn't laughing at you. 

Climber 
[Lifting her head quietly and recovering herself A 
No, I knew. 

Thief 
Perhaps I've left you rather much alone. 

Climber 
Oh no! I think I've just outgrown 
My strength. 

Thief 
[Quietly.] 
Then if you've got that length 
You've come into your own. Lie down again; 
I'll call you if he is in pain. 

Climber 

No! No! This time I must lie still 

Unless he comes himself. He'd take it ill 

If I should offer him a change of diet 

He's not accustomed to. I must lie quiet 

Unless he says that he's prepared to try it. 

[She lies down again. The stage gradually becomes 
quite dark, as the Thief sings this song.] 

Thief's Song 
God gave me a little fire. 
And, as He did require, 
I burnt it all away. 
And He gave me more each day. 



82 How Joy was Found: Act III 

At last to one most dear 
I denied my fire in fear. 
And now the light's gone out, 
And God's nowhere about. 

lAt this moment the eight-day clock in the corner of 
the room strikes twelve slowly, and a great Hand 
comes in at the hole in the centre of the roof. All have 
fallen asleep except the Thief. She springs up with 
a cry and shakes the Climber, who does not stir, but 
all the others start up, and Finn calls loudly on the 
Gripper, who lays hold on the Hand and takes it in to 
the two eyebrows at the chimney. The Hand gives a 
pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the top of 
his two shoulders. The Gripper gives another pull on 
the Hand and brings it in to the neck. The Hand gives 
a pull on the Gripper, and brings him out to the very 
middle. The Gripper gives a pull on the Hand, and 
brings it in over the two armpits. The Hand gives a 
pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the smalls 
of his two feet. Then the Gripper gives a brave pull 
on the Hand, and it comes out of the shoulder, and 
when it falls on the floor the pulling of seven geldings 
is in it. All shout with joy.] 

Finn 

[Wiping his brow in unutterable relief. "l 
What an escape ! I nearly lost the child ! 
She'd have been wild! 
I knew I could hold out 
Without having to shout 

For aid. 

[At this moment the Giant, unnoticed, puts in his 
other hand and takes the child with him in the cap of 
the hand. It screams, awaking the Climber.'] 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 83 

Climber 
Oh! YouVe let it go! 
You've been asleep,, I know! 

Finn 
{^Desperately, with his head in his hands. ^ 
What a mistake I've made! 

[Furiously, to the Gripper.'] 
You fool! Why couldn't you 
Hold on a little longer? 

Gripper 
[Plaintively and with resignation.'] 
Because I never knew 
There was another Hand a little stronger. 

Finn 

[Frantically, to Marksman.] 
You that's so good at marking eggs, 
Why couldn't you tell other folk 
About the yolk? 

Marksman 

[Tranquilly.'] 
You never asked me, or I would have told. 

Are you not old 
Enough — have you not got two legs, 
A pair of hands, a level 

Enough head i; 

(When all is done and said) 
From which to deduce the devil? 

Finn 

[Losing all control.] 
Liar! It was your duty to tell! ' 



84 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Marksman 
[Quietly and sorrow fully.'\ 
Go to Hell. 

[Finn rushes out. The Climber is all this time 
kneeling hy the settle with her head buried in her 
hands, and does not appear to hear anything around 
her.] 

Carpenter 
[Angrily, to Marksman.] 
Didn't the woman tell her that the Giant 
Who steals the children was just like a man? 
If we had known we wouldn't have been so pliant. 

Marksman 
[Turning to look at him with a strange smile.] 
Why didn't you ask her about him? She never can 
Tell you very much until 
You ask her of your own free will. 

Carpenter 
[Sneeringly.] 
I don't believe she knew! 

Marksman 
[Turning and looking at him.] 
Don't you? 

Carpenter 

[Trying to look him in the face, but getting very red, 
drops his eyes and mutters.] 

Well, maybe she did. You needn't make a stir, 
I don't pretend to understand folk like her. 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 85 

Marksman 

[As before.] 
Don't you? 

Carpenter 
[Defiantly and reluctantly.] 
Well, if I do it's not because I can't. 

Marksman 

[As before.] 
Isn't it? 

[Silence.] 
Come, answer me ! 

Carpenter 

[Defiantly.] 
I shan't! 

Marksman 

[Letting him go with a contemptuous kick from behind.] 

Then follow Finn until you've learned compliance. 

Carpenter 
[Calling Tracker.] 
Come on ! Let's show them we've some self-reliance ! 

Tracker 

[To Gripper, who is still standing quietly holding the 
arm he has pulled out.] 

Come on ! There's no use holding any more 
To the sneck of that door. 

[Pointing to arm.] 



86 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Gripper 
Where are you going? 

[iJe looks undecided, '[ 

Tracker 
There's no knowing, 
I'm bound to follow him. 

\Foints to Carpenter. 1 

Gripper 
^Looking round doubtfully. 1 

The light is very dim. 
Where is he taking us? 

Carpenter 
[Pulling him by the collar.'] 
Come on without any more fuss. 

Tracker 
[Pulling at the Hand.] 
Drop it, I say, drop it! 

Marksman 

[Intervening sternly.] 
Stop it! 
[The Tracker and the Carpenter fling out after Finn.] 

Thief 
[To Marksman.] 
I'll follow them. I musn't be inhuman. 
They'll certainly get lost without a woman. 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 87 

Marksman 
Take care^ they've gone to Hell. 

Thief 
{^Quietly indicating the Climber.] 
Look after this child well, 
And I will steal all Heaven before you can tell. 

Listener 

[Eagerly,] 

What fun! May I come too? 

Thief 
[Pointing to the Climber.] 
Not yet, she's need of you. 

[Exit Thief.] 

Listener 

[Coming forward and gazing up at the hole in the roof 

with his hands on his knees.] 

Well, that was a clean sweep! 

[To Climber.] 
I say, don't weep! 

Marksman 

[With his finger on his lips.] 
Hush ! She's saying her prayers ! 

Listener 
[Abashed and embarrassed.] 
Oh, sorry! 

[He crosses to the window and leans out, and then 
softly beckons to the Gripper. The Marhsman is sit- 
ting quietly in Finn's chair by the fire.] 



88 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Listener 

ITo Gripper, speaking softly not to disturb the 
Climber. '\ 

Look at the sky, and that green stretch of clear 
Behind the Bidean! There's really no night here. 

\_He sits astride the window whistling softly^ and 
then begins to sing this song under his breath.} 

I had a vision of Hope. She came to me 
Long before morning came^, long ere the day 
Had folded night in her bosom and gathered away 
The stars in her brightness; 
I saw as it were a whiteness 
Like a shimmer on the sea; 
Long before morning broke 
She awoke 
And came to me. 

There are some who never see her. 
There are some who never hear 

Her whisper at their ear. 

I was awake and heard 

Before the thrushes stirred. 

Deep in her heart she showed me. 
Long before it was spring, 

A lovely thing. 
All the April bulbs unsleeping. 
Beneath the garden keeping 
Watch for the dawn. 
All the eyes of the daisies wide-awake under the 
lawn. 



Scene 2 : House of the Earth-Mother 89 

There are some who will not trust her. 
There are some who blindly thrust her 

Out of sight 

Into the solitary night. 
Grievous souls ! They do not know 
That her lovely sign is true: 

I listened and I knew. 

Marksman 
That's good enough! 

[Climber springs up lightly. '\ 

Cumber 
Why! Where's Finn.^ 

Listener 

[Coming down.^ 

Gone off in the huff 

While you were saying your prayers. 

Climber 

[Desperately^ to Marksman.'] 

I don't believe it ! Tell me there's 
No truth in what he said. 



Marksman 

[Quietly.'] 
Yes, for the present, Finn is dead. 



90 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Climber 
IQuietly steadfast.'] 
I don't believe it. 

Marksman 
He has lost his head. 

Climber 
{^Looking round.] 
Where are the others? 

Gripper 

[Sarcastically.] 
TheyVe followed him like brothers. 

Climber 
Has the Thief gone with the rest? 

Marksman 

Yes; she thought it best. 
She said it was inhuman 
To let them go without a woman. 

Climber 
[Radiantly, with upraised face.] 
Thank you! 

Listener 
[To Marksman.] 
Who's she speaking to? 

[The Marksman quietly shoots an arrow out of the 
window.] 



Scene 2: House of the Earth-Mother 91 

Listener 
Why did you do that? 

Marksman 

Being under my protection 

She looked straight in the right direction. 

Listener 
[Who has run to the window to look after the arrow."] 
I say! They've put off in the boat 
And left us all behind! 

Climber 
[Anxiously. 1 
Has Finn got his coat? 

Listener 

No; there it is behind 
The press. 

Climber 

Is the Thief there? 

Listener 
Yes. 

Climber 

Then never mind. 

[To Gripper."] 
Come! You must follow 
And take the tiller, or the sea will swallow 
Them all. 



92 How Joy was Found : Act III 

Gripper 

[Plaintively] 
It's no use; I would fall 
Without something to grip. 

Climber 

Are you afraid to slip 
If I make fast 
A rope to the mast? 

Gripper 
[Brightening.] 
Oh no! not if you give me anything 
To hold to, even the smallest bit of string. 
But how will you get over there .^ 
It's far too rough to swim. Take care! 

Climber 

[To Listener.] 
Can you hear 

What the Thief is saying.^ 

Listener 
[Putting his ear to the ground and listening intently.] 
I rather think she's praying. 

Climber 

[Clapping her hands delightedly.] 

Then come along^ the danger's past, 

IVe tied a life-line to the mast! 

[Exit all running eagerly, the Climber carrying 
Finn's coat.] 



Scene 3: At Sea 93 

ACT III. SCENE S 

AT sea: sunset 

A stormy dark sunset, late in the gloaming. The 
ship is seen tossing wildly on a tempestuous sea. The 
Thief is sitting quietly in the stern with her head 
bowed; her face is invisible. The Carpenter and the 
Tracker are whimpering on the floor. Finn is alone at 
the helm, but the waves are driving the boat about at 
their mercy. 

Carpenter 
[Terrified, from bottom of boat.] 
I don't believe this boat is sound. 

Tracker 

[Blubbering with terror.] 

Boohoo! Boohoo! We's all going to be drowned! 

[Clutches Finn's legs.] 

Finn 
[Spurning him suddenly.] 
Be quiet^ you fool ! 

[The Tracker collapses howling in a corner.] 

Carpenter 
Cheer up ! You'll soon be able to keep cool. 

[A great shower of spray comes over and drenches 
them. The Tracker cries despairingly.] 

Carpenter 
[To Finn.] 
I had a sense of something due 



94 How Joy was Found: Act III 

To someone^ though I scare kent who. 

And like a fool I lent my ship to you. 

Although I made her at my own expense 

I thought you had a little common sense. 

Didn't I tell you she was bound 

To carry you quite safe and sound 

From earth to Heaven, if you could handle 

Her properly. It's a fair scandal 

To see the way you hold the tiller. 

You'll sink her. Look! You'll sink and fill her! 

[The skip heels and dips, the Tracker yells again, and 
even the Carpenter gasps and moans.'] 

I thought that she would even carry 
God back again to earth to tarry. 
Oh! If she'd had another master 
Than you, she would have got on faster. 
But with this God-forsaken mind 
No other body could I find. 

Tracker 
[To Carpenter, blubbering.'] 

I'd like to tell you what I think 
Of you. 

Carpenter 

I jalouse we must sink 

Our differences for a little; 

This boat won't stand it, she's too brittle. 

[The boat gives a rvild lurch and appears to founder » 
Both cry wildly to Finn. The Tracker clutches the 
Thief's knees, weeping loudly.] 



Scene 3 : At Sea 95 

Thief 
[Quietly.'} 
Have patience! 

Finn 
[Looking desperately up to the sky.} 
If there is any Truth in what she said. 
If there is any Hope that answers prayer, 
If there is any Faith beyond her share 
That stretches nervous from a lovelier Head 
Than ours, and quickens in the brighter dead, 
I summon all my strong human emotion 
To stir that Brain to feel what I am feeling. 
And rouse a Thought of which I had no notion 
Into consideration of my healing. 
For though my mind is smaller than That Other 
I have enough of sense to call it Brother 
If It be there at all. If It be there. 

[At his words a golden life-line is suddenly whirled 
on board and falls at his feet. The Carpenter and the 
Tracker cry wildly: *'A rope! A rope! Oh, make it 
fast!"] 

Thief 

[With a sigh of relief.} 

The danger's past! 

[She runs hurriedly and makes the rope fast to the 
mast, while Finn remains gazing at it as if dazed. In 
a moment the Climber is seen swinging along it, imme- 
diately followed by the Gripper, the Listener, and the 
Marksman. Finn remains as if spellbound, while the 
Gripper runs to the tiller, seises it from him, and turns 
the boat completely round.} 



96 How Joy was Found: Act III 

Finn 

[To himself, as if bewildered.^ 
This is more than any sense deserves! 

Climber 
[Shaking her head at him.^ 

Fancy going off like that in an open boat 

Without your coat! 

Your state of mind is preying on my nerves. 

[She helps him into his coat, which he submits to 
passively, gazing at her as if dazed; then suddenly fall- 
ing an his knees, he snatches her hand, crying 
exultantly — ] 

Finn 

Before the sun shall rise upon the land 
I'll shake all darkness by this other hand! 

[The storm gradually abates, and as the ship slips 
away the Gripper leans back against the tiller and 
sings J] 

Gripper's Song 

I saw above the straining shrouds 
No rift nor hint of dawn, 
I saw no light beyond the clouds. 
But still I carried on. 

I saw the end of the world, Dear Heart, 
And I believed it true, 
But still I held to my small part. 
And so she carried through. 



ACT IV 

THE giant's castle: midnight 

In a dim twilight of stars a castle is seen upon a rock. 
It is thatched with eel-skins, and there appears to be 
neither door nor window. The dark figures of Finn, the 
Climber, the Thief, the Marksman, and the Listener are 
presently seen stealing softly over the rocks. The other 
three have evidently remained with the boat. They talk 
in whispers. 

Finn 

[To Climber.'] 
Is this the place? 



I believe so. 



Climber 
Finn 



It's very dark, 

I cannot see your face. 



Hark! 



What is it? 



Listener 

Finn 

[Nervously.] 

97 



98 How Joy was Found 

Listener 

I hear something inside. 

It sounds like children's voices. 

Have you tried 

The door? 

Finn 

There isn't any door. 

Listener 

[Positively. '\ 
I really hear 
Something, I don't know what. It sounds quite near. 

Climber 

If there's no front door there must be a stair, 
I'm certain he has put the child in there; 
And since it must have got inside somehow, 
I rather think the door is in the brow. 
At any rate, I'm going to climb and see. 

Finn 
[Ana;iousli/.'] 
Take care! The thatch is very slippery! 

Listener 
[Cheer fully.'i 

If there*s a way in, then there is no doubt 
There must be just the same way to get out. 

[The Climber's figure is soon dimly seen silhouetted 
on the roof against the stars."] 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 

Climber 

[With a delighted exclamation.'} 
Just as I thought! 

Finn 

[Nervously,'] 
What? 

Climber 
I've found a door just where I thought. 

Finn 

Can you open it? 

Climber 
Oh yes, there's not 
Much difficulty there,, 
It comes away with prayer. 

[She is seen kneeling.] 

Finn 

What's that you're saying? 

Listener 
Be quiet! Can't you see she's praying? 

Climber 

[Presently.] 
It's opening up! 

Finn 

[Eagerly.] 
What is inside? 



99 



100 How Joy was Found 

Climber 

I'm looking, but I haven't tried 
My eyes yet in a night so deep. 

[She calls down softly presently.] 
The Giant is sound asleep! 

Finn 

Oh! Can you see if he's still got the child 

Inside the cap 

Of the other hand? 

Climber 

[Delighted.] 
It's there ! It's still taking its little nap ! 

Finn 

[Desperately.] 

If only I were strong enough to creep 
Inside and steal it while he is asleep! 
But with this heavy box I can't get up. 

Listener 
Why don't you throw it away then altogether? 

Finn 
[Arrested.] 
I wonder if I could? I don't know whether — 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 101 

Climber 
[Calling dorvn.~\ 
There's a dog here too besides, and a little pup ! 

Finn 

Abominable! They're sure to bark. 

Listener 
[Delighted.'\ 

I say! A puppy! What a lark! 
Please try and get it for me. Hark! 

Finn 

[Nervously.'] 
What is it.?* 

Listener 

I hear the Giant coming up out of his sleep. 
You must be quick, 
Or else you'll stick. 

Thief 
[To Climber.] 

I'm almost certain I could creep 
And steal the child while he is sleeping, 
Only I'm rather old to do much leaping; 
You'd have to carry me a bit. 
And let me gently down to it. 



102 How Joy was Found 

Climber 

All right! There is no difficulty there. 
With your support I could go anywhere. 

l^She swings down, takes the Thief on her bach, and 
is presently seen on the roof letting her gently down 
inside the castle. The Climber is seen again kneeling.'\ 

Finn 

[Anxiously, from below. '\ 

Oh dear ! How slow she is ! It's very dark. 
Why is she delaying.^ 

Listener 

Be quiet! Can't you see she's praying? 
Hark! 

Finn 

[Nervously.'] 
What is it now? 

Listener 

[Joyously.] 

I hear the child coming up out of his sleep. 

Climber 
[Calling softly down to the Thief.] 
It is so deep 
Inside, I can't see where you are. 

Listener 
[Anxiously.] 
Has she got the puppy? 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 103 

Climber 
[Reassuringly. ] 
She'll get it all right, never fear! 

Listener 

[Whispering loudly. '\ 
Good man! 
I say! Can 

You hand it down and let me hold its muzzle? 
I guess to both of you it is a puzzle 
To know at present where to put it. 
And if Finn sees it probably he'll shoot it. 

Finn 
[Anxiously^] 

Has she got the child? I can't endure 
To wait like this. 

Climber 
[A trifle hesitatingly] 

I think so. I'm not sure. 

Listener 
Be quick ! I hear the dog coming up out of her sleep. 

Thief's voice 
[From within, faintly.] 

Oh! Lower me again to Mother Earth, 
For I in spirit have been called as far 
As the secret place where her lost children are. 



104« How Joy was Found 

And I now bring them back to second birth. 
Rescuing both the body and the soul 
Out of the Hand of death entire and whole, 
If you are strong enough to bear us back 
To the same side from which we came. 

Climber 
[Reeling with the sudden relaxation of nervous tension^] 

Alack! 
I am as wearied as a falling star, 
I cannot do it alone. 

[At this moment the Hand is seen emerging from 
the roof. It grips the Climber and takes her in.'\ 

Finn 

[With a frantic cry.^ 
Where are 
They? Oh! My God, what shall I do? 

Marksman 

Put your finger underneath your wisdom tooth 
And find what it replies. 

Finn 
[Doing «o.] 
It says that I must tell the truth. 

Marksman 
[Sternly.~\ 
Confess your previous lies ! 

[Finn hides his face with a groan.^ 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 105 

Marksman 
[Gently.] 

You need fear no disgrace 

If you will look me in the face, 

Finn 

[Trembling.] 

I'm thinking that there are not many here 
Can look you in the face without some fear. 

Marksman 
[Quietly.'} 
If you are too shy 

I cannot help you at all. You must all die. 
[He turns away.] 

Finn 

[Clutching him by the shoulder.] 
No! No! No! 

[The Marksman turns and gazes at him. Finn re- 
mains upright, his eyes riveted on the Marksman's.] 

Finn 

[Steadily.] 
I told her I was wide enough awake. 

Marksman 
[Quietly.] 
That was a great mistake. 



106 How Joy was Found 

Finn 

I told her I could quite well do 
Without her aid. 

Marksman 

[^Quietli/.l 
That was untrue. 

Finn 

I told her that I did not feel 

The slightest pain. Her dream was real, 

[He points to the box.^ 
For overburdened with this weight 
Of earthy I was in such a state 
I really could not recognize 
Myself reflected in her eyes. 
I felt in such a deep disgrace 
I could not look her in the face. 
So when she brought her dream by and by 
I put her off. Trying to deny 
My God, I told a fearful lie. 

Marksman 
[Tranquilly. "i 

She never believed it, and she marked it die 
Dwindling slowly away 
As the light grew stronger and the grey 
Faded for ever from the windows. 

[He points to the faint line of green, which is now 
showing on the horizon.] 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 107 

In the cottages they will soon be putting out all the 

lamps 
And going about their work in unreflected light. 

Finn 

[Springing up with a cry of joy.^ 
What! Is it really all right? 

Marksman 

[Quietly.] 
Yes, quite; 

You've told me all that I require 

To set you free. 

Finn 

[Now a different man.] 

If God be true no man can be a liar. 
Come, follow me. 

Listener 

Where are you going? 

Finn 
[Eagerly and joyously.] 

I*m going after the Climber, 
Her point of view's sublimer. 
I'm going to throw away my bow. 

[He casts the box from him.] 



108 How Joy was Found 

Mahksman 

[Picking up the bo^.] 

Take care, you've not much yet on which to go! 

Finn 

[Radiantly.^ 
I cannot fall, 
The way she chose is practical! 

Listener 
Since you have let her in for this, no doubt 
You're bound to find a way to get her out. 

Marksman 
[Turning on a little electric torch to light Finn.^ 

It's still a little dark to-night. 

I've put things in the proper light 

For you, but it strikes me 

I'll have to clear up more before you'll see 

Her way out of the difficulty. 

[Finn reaches the roof in safety, and calls down 
anxiously.^ 

Finn 
Are you there? Are you there .^ 

Climber 
[Calling faintly from rvithin.^ 

Oh ! Have you come } I knew you'd not be long, 
I'd noticed you were getting very strong. 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 109 

He's tied me hand and foot. I cannot move, 
I've found the Thief and he are hand in glove! 

Finn 

No matter! I'm entirely of your mind. 

I'll find 

My way inside and get you out just now. 

Climber 
[Anxiously.] 
The door is just behind your brow. 

Finn 

[Hitting his forehead.] 

I've got it! 
[His figure is seen against the dim twilight kneeling.'] 

Listener 

Be quick! I hear the Giant coming up out of his 
sleep ! 

[The Hand takes in Finn.] 

Climber's voice 

[With a muffled cry of despair.] 

Too late! Too late! My God, what shall I do? 

Marksman 
[Hurriedly, calling from below.] 

Put your finger under your wisdom tooth and tell me 
what it replies. 



110 How Joy was Found 

Climber^s voice 
It says that I must tell the truth! 

MARKSMAIf 

[Very sternly.'] 
What! You as well! Confess your previous lies! 

Climber's voice 

It is so dark I cannot see your face, 
I feel that I'm in very deep disgrace. 
Alas! I told him that I was asleep! 

Marksman 
Your error there was truly very deep. 

Climber 

I thought that I was strong enough 
To return alone. 

Marksman 
What utter stuff! 

Climber 
[Desperately.] 

I said I thought he was in pain; 

The pain was mine, for in my brain 

I felt a tugging and a stress 

I could not understand, unless 

One in the likeness of a man 

Had summoned me to Heaven. I ran, 

I climbed, I reached the topmost stair. 



Act IV: The Giant's Castle 111 

And found that I was not all there, 

For if I'd left the earth behind 

I should have gone out of my mind. 

Since God requires a soul and body too 

To make the substance of His dream come true. 

I understood God did devise 

To make this earth His Paradise; 

I saw our second birth was got 

Just out of earth by happy thought, 

But fearful that a Truth so glad 

Would seem an impudence half-mad, 

I made him think that God's design 

Was just a silly dream of mine. 

Marksman 
[Quietly.'] 

He always believed your dream; 

He marked it grow 

Out upon his sleep with bewildered joy, 

Until at last, just like a little boy. 

He put his hand up in the dark to feel 

Her face, and found he had touched something real. 

[He opens the box and takes the rainhom from it.'\ 

In the cottages they have put out all the lamps. 

And go about their work in unreflected light. 

Listener 
[Excitedly.'\ 

The Giant is coming up out of his sleep for the last 
time, and he is bringing the dog with him! 



112 How Joy was Found 

Marksman 

[Quietli^.] 

I am not afraid of myself, you need not shout. 
For I am strong enough to bear them out. 

[At this moment the Hand rises again from the chim- 
ney. The Marksman is seen stringing the rainbow and 
letting fly an arrorv, which transfixes the Hand. There 
is terrible darkness for a moment, the stars fall from 
the sky and the moon turns crimson, leaving pitchy 
night. With a loud crash the walls of the castle fall 
away, and in a serene silent splendour of purple and 
crimson the dawn rises over the sea, revealing the Big 
Young Hero standing upon the rock with the child in 
his arms. The Climber and Finn are in each other's 
arms, the Thief is holding the puppy.] 

Marksman 
They have all come up out of their sleep for ever! 

Listener 

[With a great cry of joy.] 

I always knew this would happen! She's got the 
puppy too! 



ACT V 

THE GREEN ISLE REALIZED ON EARTH. DAWN 

The same as Act I, hut this time there is no rainbow 
haze between, only a great rainbow stretching in the 
sky across the Hebrides seen in the distance. On a 
table under the trees the girl has spread all sorts of\ 
delightful fruits and cakes. She is now decorating it 
with flowers, and singing as she works. 

Song 

I love all lovely things — 

The dragon-fly's wings. 

The rainbow and the rain, 

The light that comes again 

Joyously like a smile, 

When for a little while 

God disposes the night elsewhere. 

His sun is very fair, 
i can catch it in my hair. 
Look! It's there! And there! And there! 
Oh! the earth's a lovely thing. 
The mind of a Mighty King, 
I cannot help but sing. 
113 



114 How Joy was Found 

I cannot end my song, 
God's thought is very long. 
Many years He took to make 
The bracken in the brake; 
He was a long time building 
The fragrant yellow gilding 
On the early poplar tree 
When no eye was there to see. 

The clouds, the atmosphere, 
My breath, the water clear. 
How fair and sweet they are! 
Oh! hate was very far 
From God's divine intention 
When these things He did mention; 
When He canopied the earth 
With cloud, and fire, and mirth; 
When He set the privy shade 
For the pheasant in the glade; 
When He built the mossy nest 
For the wren, His little guest; 
When He taught the mind of man 
By its love to find His plan. 

For no one shall discover 
His science, save the lover. 
Oh! Life's a lovely thing. 
The mind of a Mighty King! 
Emotion, will, desire. 
Earth, water, air, and fire, 
The elements intertwined. 



Act V: The Green Isle Realized 115 

With these He built the mind; 

The love of green things growing, 

The shadows they keep throwing 

Across man's fiery thought 

Till they're fused and merged and wrought 

Into the liquid union 

Of one divine communion 

With God, Who made his college 

An earthly place of knowledge. 

I cannot help but sing, 
Life's such a lovely thing! 
The catkin and the willow 
God's chosen for His pillow. 
I wonder why He fashioned 
A Beauty so impassioned; 
I wonder why it matters 
Which way the raindrop patters, 
Or why a God should care 
To give His creatures share 
Of this delightful song. 
His love must be very strong. 

I cannot end my singing. 
For still the starling's winging 
With a straw held in her beak 
To build in the old tree-peak; 
And still across the sky 
The compacted clouds go by; 
And when God thinks upon it 
The lily's yellow bonnet 



116 How Joy was Found 

Nid-nods delightfully 

Beneath the walnut tree. 

And clear^ and still more clear. 

In God's mind I read and hear 

That only Love shall learn 

The wherefore of flower and fern, 

That only Love alone 

Shall live to be full-grown, 

That merely Love and Wonder 

Shall bring all Heaven hereunder. 

[Towards the end of the song the hrown-sailed fish- 
ing-boat is seen approaching gradually under the rain- 
horv. As it draws near, Finn and the Big Young Hero 
are seen in it with the puppy. It touches the shore, 
at first unperceived of the girl. The Big Young Hero 
leaps lightly from it, and helps Finn out.'\ 

Finn 
[Looking round bewildered.^ 
I recognize this place. 

Hero 

You have been here before. 

Finn 

Isn't that the Bidean's face? 

[Pointing to the distant hills.] 
Please tell me, for I can't stand any more. 
[He staggers, but the Hero puts an arm round him.] 



Act V: The Green Isle Realized 117 

There must be some mistake^ 

I seem 
To be asleep and yet I am awake. 

Is this a dream? 

Hero 
No, it is real. 

Put up your hand and feel 

Her face. 

Climber 

[Perceiving him, calls.] 

The breakfast's ready ;, I have set your place. 

[Catching sight of Finn she puts her hand to her face 
with a cry of amazed delight.] 

It is the man I dreamed about last night ! 
I didn't know! I'm looking such a sight! 
I didn't know that you would bring a guest. 

[She puts her hand up to her head as if she were 

going to fall, and the Hero puts his other arm 

round her.] 

I'll be all right after a little rest. 
What a beautiful rainbow! 

[Pointing.] 
I always knew the morning would be fine. 

Finn 

[Putting his hand up in amazement to find the box is 
gone.] 
It's mine! 

How did it get up there.'* 



118 How Joy was Found 

Hero 

Vou hoisted it on a prayer; 
The Marksman's left it in the sky to show 
The right direction to the folk below. 
The others are not very far behind; 
Presently they will all be of your mind. 

[^He points to where, far off under the bow, the sails 
of Conan's boat are dimly visible on the horizon."] 

Finn 

[Wild with delight.'] 

Oh ! I feel strong enough to turn the moon 
Right round upon his other face, 
And I feel ready now to sup 
The stars up with a spoon. 

Climber 
[In an awed whisper, gazing at Finn.] 

I only know I am aware 
Of God for ever, everywhere. 

Hero 
[Who has still an arm round either, to Finn.] 

It was the Gate of Heaven that you carried. 
Now it is time that you and she were married. 
Since I have found you strong enough to share 
Her faith that I am more than quite all there. 
Ask what you will, it shall be given you 
As your reward. Tell me, what is your due? 



Act V: The Green Isle Realized 119 

Finn 
[In a whisper.] 

I am beginning now to understand! 

Lord, I beseech, help Thou mine other hand. 

Hero 

[Leading the two forward to the table, he taJces the 
Climber's hand and places it in Finn's.] 

It has spread breakfast in my house for two, 
The other place was always meant for you; 
I pray you, warm it at your hearth hereunder. 
What I have joined let no man put asunder. 



APPENDIX 

HOW FINN KEPT HIS CHILDREN FOR THE 
BIG YOUNG HERO OF THE SHIP AND 
HOW BRAN WAS FOUND. 

A day Finn and his men were in the Hunting-hill they 
killed a great number of deer; and when they were 
wearied after the chase they sat down on a pleasant 
green knoll, at the back of the wind and at the face of 
the sun, where they could see everyone and no one at all 
could see them. 

While they were sitting in that place Finn lifted his 
eyes towards the sea, and saw a ship making straight 
for the haven beneath the spot on which they were sit- 
ting. When the ship came to land, a Big Young Hero 
leaped out of her on the shore, seized her by the bows 
and drew her up, her own seven lengths, on the green 
grass, where the eldest son of neither landowner nor of 
holder of large townland dared mock or gibe at her. 
Then he ascended the hillside, leaping over the hollows 
and slanting the knolls, till he reached the spot on which 
Finn and his men were sitting. 

He saluted Finn frankly, energetically, fluently; and 
Finn saluted him with the equivalent of the same words. 
Finn then asked him whence did he come or what was 
he wanting.'* He answered Finn that he had come 
through night-watching and tempest of sea where he 
was, because he was losing his children, and it had been 
told him that there was not a man in the world who 
could keep his children for him but him, Finn, King of 
the Feinne. And he said to Finn, "I lay on thee, as 

121 



122 How Joy was Found 

crosses and spells and seven fairy fetters of travelling 
and straying^ to be vrith me before thou shalt eat food 
or drink a draught or close an eye in sleep." 

Having said this he turned away from them and de- 
scended the hillside the way he ascended it. When he 
reached the ship he placed his shoulder against her bow 
and put her out. He then leaped into her, and departed 
in the direction he came until they lost sight of him. 

Finn was now under great heaviness of mind, because 
the vows had been laid on him, and he must fulfil them 
or travel onwards until he would die. He knew not 
whither he should go, or what he should do. But he left 
farewell with his men, and descended the hillside to the 
seaside. When he reached that he could not go farther 
on the way in which he saw the Big Young Hero depart. 
He therefore began to walk along the shore, but before 
he had gone very far forward, he saw a company of 
seven men coming to meet him. 

When he reached the men he asked the first of them 
what was he good at? The man answered that he was a 
good Carpenter. Finn asked him how good was he at 
carpentry .^ The man said that, with three strokes of his 
axe he could make a large, capacious, complete ship of 
the alder stock over j'^onder. "Thou art good enough," 
said Finn; "thou mayest pass by." 

He then asked of the second man what was he good 
at? The man said that he was a good Tracker. "How 
good art thou?" said Finn. "I can track the wild duck 
over the crests of the nine waves within nine days," said 
the man. "Thou art good enough," said Finn; "thou 
mayest pass by." 

Then he said to the third man, "What art thou good 
at?" The man replied that he was a good Gripper. 
"How good art thou?" "The hold I once get I will not 
let go until my two arms come from my shoulders or 



Appendix 123 

until my hold comes with me." "Thou art good enough; 
thou mayest pass by." 

Then he said to the fourth man, "What art thou good 
at?" He answered that he was a good Climber. "How 
good art thou.^" "I can climb on a filament of silk to 
the stars, although thou wert to tie it there." "Thou art 
good enough; thou mayest pass by." 

He then said to the fifth man, "Wliat art thou good 
at?" He replied that he was a good Thief. "How good 
art thou?" "I can steal the egg from the heron while 
her two eyes are looking at me." "Thou art good 
enough; thou mayest pass by." 

He asked of the sixth man, "What art thou good at?" 
He answered that he was a good Listener. "How good 
art thou?" He said that he could hear what people were 
saying at the extremity of the Uttermost World (Dom- 
han Tor). "Thou art good enough; thou mayest pass 
by." 

Then he said to the seventh man, "What art thou good 
at?" He replied that he was a good Marksman. "How 
good art thou?" "I could hit an egg as far away in 
the sky as bowstring could send or bow could carry." 
"Thou art good enough; thou mayest pass by." 

All this gave Finn great encouragement. He turned 
round and said to the Carpenter, "Prove thy skill." The 
Carpenter went where the stock was, and struck it with 
his axe thrice; and as he had said, the Ship was ready. 

When Finn saw the Ship ready he ordered his men to 
put her out. They did that and went on board of her. 

Finn now ordered the Tracker to go to the bow and 
prove himself. At the same time he told him that yes- 
terday a Big Young Hero left yonder haven in his ship 
and that he wanted to follow the Hero to the place in 
which he now was. Finn himself went to steer the Ship 
and they departed. The Tracker was telling him to 
keep her this way or to keep her that way. They sailed 
a long time forward without seeing land, but they kept 



124 How Joy was Found 

on their course until evening was approaching. In the 
gloaming they noticed that land was ahead of them^ and 
they made straight for it. When they reached the shore 
they leaped to land and drew up the Ship. 

Then they noticed a large fine house in the glen above 
the beach. They took their way up to the house; and 
when they were nearing it they saw the Big Young Hero 
coming to meet them. He ran and placed his two arms 
about Finn's neck and said^, "Darling of all men in the 
worlds hast thou come?" "If I had been thy darling of 
all men in the worlds it is not as thou didst leave me that 
thou wouldst have left me^" said Finn. "Oh^ it was not 
without a way of coming that I left thee," said the Big 
Young Hero. "Did I not send a company of seven men 
to meet thee?" 

When they reached the house, the Big Young Hero 
told Finn and his men to go in. They accepted the 
invitation and found abundance of meat and drink. 

After they had quenched their hunger and thirst, the 
Big Young Hero came in where they were, and said to 
Finn, "Six years from this night, my wife was in child- 
bed and a child was born to me. As soon as the child 
came into the world, a large Hand came in at the chim- 
ney, and took the child with it in the cap (or hollow) 
of the Hand. Three years from this night the same 
thing happened. And to-night she is going to be in 
childbed again. It was told me that thou wert the only 
man in the world who could keep my children for me, 
and now I have courage since I have found thee." 

Finn and his men were tired and sleepy. Finn said 
to the men that they were to stretch themselves on the 
floor and that he was going to keep watch. They did 
as they were told and he remained sitting beside the 
fire. At last sleep began to come on him; but he had a 
bar of iron in the fire, and as often as his eyes would 
begin to close with sleep, he would thrust the bar through 
the bone of his palm, and that was keeping him awake. 



Appendix 125 

About midnight the woman was delivered, and as soon 
as the child came into the world the Hand came in at 
the chimney. Finn called on the Gripper to get up. 

The Gripper sprang quickly to his feet and laid hold 
of the Hand. He gave a pull on the Hand, and took it 
in to the two eyebrows at the chimney. 

The Hand gave a pull on the Gripper, and took him 
out to the top of his two shoulders. The Gripper gave 
another pull on the Hand, and brought it in to the neck. 
The Hand gave a pull on the Gripper, and brought him 
out to the very middle. The Gripper gave a pull on 
the Hand and took it in over the two armpits. The 
Hand gave a pull on the Gripper and took him out to 
the smalls of his two feet. Then the Gripper gave a^ 
brave pull on the Hand, and it came out of the shoulder. 
And when it fell on the floor the pulling of seven geld- 
ings was in it. But the big Giant outside put in the 
other hand and took the child with him in the cap of the 
Hand. 

They were all very sorry that they lost the child. But 
Finn said, "We will not yield to this yet. I and my men 
will go away after the Hand before a sun shall rise on 
a dwelling to-morrow." 

At break of dawn Finn and his men turned out, and 
reached the beach where they had left the Ship. 

They launched the Ship, and leaped on board of her. 
The Tracker went to the bow, and Finn went to steer 
her. They departed, and now and again the Tracker 
would cry to Finn to keep her in that direction, or to 
keep her in this direction. They sailed onward a long 
distance without seeing anything before them, except 
the great sea. At the going down of the sun, Finn no- 
ticed a black spot in the ocean ahead of them. He 
thought it too little for an island and too large for a 
bird, but he made straight for it ; and it was a rock, and 
a Castle thatched with eel-skins was on its top. 

They landed on the rock. They looked about the 



126 How Joy was Found 

Castle but they saw neither window nor door at which 
they could get in. At last they noticed that it was on 
the roof the door was. They did not know how they 
could get up, because the thatch was so slippery. But 
the Climber cried, "Let me over and I will not be long 
in climbing it." He sprang quickly towards the Castle 
and in an instant was on its roof. He looked in at the 
door, and after taking particular notice of everything 
that he saw, he descended where the rest were waiting. 
Finn asked of him what did he see? He said that he 
saw a big Giant lying on a bed, a silk covering over him 
and a satin covering under him, and his hand stretched 
out and an infant asleep in the cap of the Hand; that 
he saw two boys on the floor playing with shinties of 
gold and a ball of silver ; and that there was a very large 
deer-hound bitch lying beside the fire, 'and two pups 
sucking her. 

Then said Finn, "I do not know how we shall get them 
out." The Thief answered and said, "If I get in I will 
not be long putting them out." The Climber said, 
"Come on my back and I will take thee up to the door." 
The Thief did as he was told and got into the Castle. 

Instantly he began to prove his skill. The first thing 
he put out was the child that was in the cap of the Hand. 
He then put out the two boys who were playing on the 
floor. He then stole the silk covering that was over the 
Giant and the satin covering that was under him, and 
put them out. Then he put out the shinties of gold and 
the ball of silver. He then stole the two pups that were 
sucking the bitch beside the fire. These were the most 
valuable things which he saw inside. He left the Giant 
asleep and turned out. 

They placed the things which the Thief stole in the 
Ship and departed. They were but a short time sailing 
when the Listener stood up and said, " 'Tis I who am 
hearing him, 'tis I who am listening to him!" "What 
art thou hearing?" said Finn. "He has just awakened," 



Appendix 127 

said the Listener, "and missed everything that was 
stolen from him. He is in great wrath sending away 
the Bitch, and saying to her if she will not go that he 
will go himself. But it is the Bitch that is going." In 
a short time they looked behind them and saw the Bitch 
coming swimming. She was cleaving the sea on each 
side of her in red sparks of fire. They were seized 
with fear, and said that they did not know what they 
should do. But Finn considered, and then told them to 
throw out one of the pups ; perhaps when she would see 
the pup drowning she would return with it. They threw 
out the pup, and as Finn said, it happened; the Bitch 
returned with the pup. This left them at the time 
pleased. 

But shortly after that the Listener arose trembling, 
and said, " 'Tis I who am hearing him, 'tis I who am 
listening to him!" "What art thou saying now.?" said 
Finn. "He is sending away the Bitch, and since she 
will not go he is coming himself." 

Wlien they heard this their eye was always behind 
them. At last they saw him coming, and the great sea 
reached not beyond his haunches. They were seized 
with fear and great horror, for they knew not what they 
should do. But Finn thought of his knowledge set of 
teeth, and having put his finger under it, found out that 
the Giant was immortal except in a mole which was in a 
hollow of his palm. The Marksman then stood up and 
said, "If I get one look of it I will have him." The 
Giant came walking forward through the sea to the side 
of the Ship. Then he lifted up his hand to seize the 
top of the mast, in order to sink the Ship. But when 
the Hand was on high the Marksman noticed the mole, 
and he let an arrow off in its direction. The arrow 
struck the Giant in the death-spot and he fell dead on 
the sea. They were now very happy, for there was 
nothing before them to make them afraid. They put 
about and sailed back to the Castle. The Thief stole 



128 How Joy was Found 

the pup again, and they took it with them along with 
the one they had. After that they returned to the place 
of the Big Young Hero. When they reached the Haven 
they leaped on land and drew up the Ship on dry 
ground. 

Then Finn went away with the family of the Big 
Young Hero and with everything which he and his men 
took out of the Castle to the fine house of the Big Young 
Hero. 

The Big Young Hero met him coming, and when he 
saw his children he went on his two knees to Finn and 
said, "What now is thy reward?" Finn answered and 
said that he was asking nothing but his choice of the 
two pups which they took from the Castle. The Big 
Young Hero said that he would get that and a great 
deal more if he would ask it. But Finn wanted nothing 
except the pup. This pup was Bran, and his brother, 
that the Big Young Hero got, was the Grey Dog. 

The Big Young Hero took Finn and his men into his 
house and made for them a great joyous merry feast, 
which was kept up for a year and a day, and if the last 
day was not the best it was not the worst. 

That is how Finn kept his children for the Big Young 
Hero of the Ship and how Bran was found. 

Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition. Argyll- 
shire series. Rev. J. Macdougall. 







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